Midfielder : Francis Laurent

Francis Laurent signed for Steve Tilson for a second time when he joined Lincoln in 2011. The French midfielder had played for Tilson at Southend United in League One and he has also played for several european clubs.

Signed From : Free Transfer

Debut : 29th October 2011 vs Alfreton Town

Final Game : 9th April 2012

Paris born Laurent started his career with FC Sochaux-Montbeliard B, playing twelve times for his home town side in 2005/6. He soon left France to try his luck in Germany, playing for SV Eintracht Trier 05 and then 1. Fußball-und Sport-Verein Mainz 05 (generally known as Mainz) in the Bundesliga divisions.

Two years after leaving France he left Germany to try his luck in England. He impressed Southend manager Steve Tilson during a trial and he eventually signed a two and a half year contract. He made a goalscoring debut but his time at Southend ended in 2010 after the Essex club entered severe financial debt.

He had trials at Coventry City, Sheffield United and Cardiff City, including scoring a hatrick for the latter, but that was not enough for the 6'3 Frenchman to earn a deal and he returned to his native France with AFC Compiegne. It wasn't long before he was back in England though as Northampton signed him on and he helped the Cobblers survive a relegation battle that would eventually see the Imps relegated.

He was released by Northampton and joined Steve Tilson for a second time at Lincoln City in 2011. His season at Sincil Bank was massive affected by injury and he didn't play until the end of October for the Imps. He made 17 appearances in all for the club but was injured more often than not and despite clearly having talent, few were surprised when he was released at the end of the 2011/12 season.