Southend United is right for Francis (From Echo)

Southend United is right for Francis

SIMON Francis insists he is keen to stay with Southend United — despite being wanted by Championship strugglers Peterborough United.

Posh had an £150,000 offer for the right-back accepted by the Shrimpers towards the end of last week.

But Francis is keen to remain at Roots Hall.

“I listened to what Peterborough had to say but it didn’t seem right at the moment,” said Francis, 24.

“I think staying at Southend is right for me because I’m enjoying my football and I’m very settled living in this area.

“It’s obviously nice that a club from a higher level have seen you play and want to sign you and, as a player, you do want to play as high as you can.

“But I have no interest in leaving Southend.”

Francis, who has started all but one of the Shrimpers’ matches so far this season, originally discovered that Peterborough were interested through his agent around a fortnight ago.

But it was manager Steve Tilson who first told him that Posh’s offer had been accepted by Shrimpers.

“My agent mentioned that something might happen in January but it was just a case of waiting to see what happened,” said Francis.

“Then the gaffer told me that an offer had been accepted but I decided against going there.”

Francis is therefore focused on maintaining his good form for the Shrimpers.

The defender is currently midway through his fourth season with the club and feels this has been his most consistent campaign so far.

“It’s been a bit up and down for me at Southend but I think consistency-wise this has been my best season to date,” said Francis.

“During pre-season I said to myself that I wanted to get as fit as possible and really push on and I’m pleased with how it’s going.

“I’m lucky at Southend because the manager allows me to play the way I like which means I can get forward and join in with the attacks.

“But I need to keep it going for the rest of the season now.”

Southend United have been thwarted by the weather in recent weeks though and have not played since winning at Leyton Orient towards the end of December.

That inactivity has frustrated Francis who now cannot wait to get back in action.

“It’s been hard and we haven’t really even been able to train properly,” said Francis.

“We’ve been in the gym and haven’t played for nearly three weeks now.

“It almost feels like we’re in pre-season again but hopefully the game at Huddersfield will be on this weekend because we’re all desperate to play again.”