Simon Francis: How my time at Southend United helped me reach Premier League with Bournemouth

Just five seasons ago, the 30-year-old defender was part of the cash strapped Southend United side which suffered a second relegation in the space of three seasons to slump into League Two.

But, since leaving Blues in 2010, Francis’ talents have taken him to the top of the game with the Cherries.

Yet Francis told Echosport he would always be grateful for the part the Shrimpers played in helping to shape his career.

“I played a lot of games when I was at Southend and it was a great learning curve for me at that time,” said the defender.

“I really enjoyed being at the club and I thought I played well there too.

“I would like to think the fans thought the same but unfortunately it was a tough time for the club and it was disappointing to suffer the relegations like we did.

Simon Francis pictured during his spell at Southend United

“But playing regularly really helped me to develop my game which was important for me at that stage of my career.

“And it’s certainly helped me to go on and do even better.”

Francis made 180 appearances for the Shrimpers during a four year spell at Roots Hall.

But it was not just the number of matches which set the defender on his way to the Premier League.

For it was also at Southend where Francis played alongside Lee Bradbury who then went on to sign him after becoming Bournemouth boss.

“It’s been up and down for me and it’s not as though I left Southend and went straight to the Premier League because there have been some tough times too,” said Francis.

“I went to Charlton to begin with and I’m not afraid to admit that things didn’t really work out for me there.

“Despite that, Lee Bradbury took me on loan to Bournemouth, more as a favour to me than anything else.

“I know it’s a cliché but I haven’t really looked back since then and I’m enjoying every second of it at the moment especially as I also know how hard football can be.”

Francis has now been with the Cherries since November 2011 and played a prominent part in them winning the Championship last season.

But since winning promotion, Francis has switched from right-back to a more central defensive role due to a number of injuries.

Last time out, he kept Diego Costa and Eden Hazard quiet as Bournemouth secured a shock 1-0 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

And he is now also aiming to get the better of Wayne Roone for the second time in his career, providing the England captain – who was part of the United side beaten at Roots Hall in League Cup back in 2006 – shakes off an ankle injury.

“I’ll certainly take confidence from that night we beat Man United with Southend and it’s a game I’m sure nobody who was there is ever going to forget,” said Francis.

“I actually started the match on the bench but Lewis Hunt got injured quite early on so I got to come on and it was a special evening.

“Hopefully we can have another one against them tomorrow and build on the great win we had at Chelsea.”

The success at Stamford Bridge moved Bournemouth up to 17th in the Premier League standings.

But Francis is adamant none of the amazing achievements would have been possible without the work of the Cherries highly-rated manager Eddie Howe.

“He is just absolutely top drawer,” said Francis.

“Every single training session we have is meticulously planned and he’s the best manager I’ve ever played for.

“He’s helped me to achieve things I didn’t know would be possible and it’s just been brilliant.”

However, despite the success, Francis still keeps tabs on Southend’s progress.

And he is thrilled to see them back in League One.

“I still look out for Southend’s results and I’m so happy to see them on the up again,” said Francis.

“I’ve stayed in touch with Adam Barrett so I speak to him about how things are going and my Missus’ sister is married to Mark Gower so I speak to talk to him most days as well.

“I certainly have plenty of reminders from my time at Southend and I hope they can keep on doing well.”