|
Francis Jeffers signed for Everton as a YTS trainee early in 1997
after becoming a graduate of the FA Academy at Lilleshall. Already noted
as a prodigious talent, he only had to wait 10 months before making his
first team debut, at the tender age of 16, away to Manchester United.
It was over a year before he made his first start for his boyhood
heroes, away at Derby County in early 1999. His first goal for the club
came in his next appearance, an FA Cup tie against Coventry and, as
Everton battled against relegation, Francis forged a successful
partnership with new signing Kevin Campbell. Jeffers managed six league
goals in only eleven first team starts, playing a vital role in ensuring
Everton's Premiership status for another season. The future was looking
rosy for the now 18 year old and great things were being predicted of
him.
The 1999/2000 season began with Jeffers thrust into the public eye
as he leapt to the upper echelons of the leading goal scorers chart,
helping his club towards a mid-table position. Unfortunately a twisted
ankle, sustained when playing for the England Under-21 side, caused him
to miss the rest of what was becoming a great, breakthrough season.
Despite not having achieved more than 20 league appearances in a season,
his eye for goal and blistering pace had made a number of clubs aware
of the young hitman. After returning to full fitness, Jeffers produced
another rush of goals in the 2000/2001 campaign, managing another six
from just ten starting appearances. However, money constraints meant
that the lure of a £10 million bid from Arsenal in the summer of 2001
was too good to refuse for Everton. He moved away from Goodison and his
native Merseyside with a record of 20 goals in all competitions from 45
starts and 15 substitute appearances. (Chris Williams)
|