DAMIEN Francis is currently on his way back to fitness after damaging his cruciate ligaments at the end of last season.
The Wandsworth born midfielder joined www.watfordfc.com to talk about his early footballing memories and what the game meant to him in his youth.
My first real football-related memory would have to be when I was a ball boy at Wimbledon. I used to do that quite a bit so I watched all of their games and eventually I started playing for them when I was nine-years-old.
When I first started playing football I started out in defence but a few years later I moved up to midfield. Wimbledon were my team as a kid and I certainly used to look-up to some of their players.
My biggest influence on my career would have to be my mum, she has been there throughout my career. I also received decent advice at Wimbledon when I was first starting out.
When I started my career at Wimbledon Jason Euell was from that era as was Nigel Reo-Coker, although he's a bit younger than me. I try and stay in contact with as many of them as I can and obviously they're all great players.
My debut for Wimbledon came when I was 19-years-old and it was against Arsenal at Highbury. I came on as sub for the last 20 minutes or so. Dennis Bergkamp, Marc Overmars and Nicolas Anelka were playing for them while Ben Thatcher, Marcus Gayle and Neil Sullivan were in the side for the Dons.
I've played for four clubs now and have learnt something from all the managers I've played under, some personalities stick in your mind but it's certainly been a good experience.
When I was at Wimbledon they were known as the 'Crazy Gang' and it was a great time. There were always lots of stories every day of things happening. I think the reason behind the success was that the fact that they had a lot of home-grown players. These types of players mixed in well with the squad and gave their all.
If I had to give a young player starting out some advice it would be to just enjoy yourself and let everything else follow.
Francis is continuing his rehabilitation from injury and is expected to return to action in November.
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