The last time for this photo, so we're never know who the girl was in the back
South London continues to be a dumping ground for well paid ex-Shrimpers as full back Simon Francis, the remaining member of the gang of four to find a new club after quitting Southend for a team that wasn't in League Two and who would actually pay him, has laid his hat at Charlton Athletic.
He says hi again to midfielder Alan McCormack who joined the Addicks recently, and of course ex-skipper Adam Barrett signed for Crystal Palace last month.
Altough Simon left by 'mutual agreement' the club retained his registration, so after talks held over the last week it's been agreed to sell that to Charlton.
The Shrimpers will receive an initial upfront payment, would be good to know what that is, with further payments based on Charlton's success.
Southend will also retain a 25% sell-on fee, so it seems a good deal all round.
Not quite the championship football Simon was after and the Addicks, playing in the third tier of the league pyramid, have financial problems of their own, so it will be interesting if they Parkinson can build a side capable of a promotion challange, especially as Nicky Bailey has buggered off to Middlebrough.
We've said our farewells to the latest player-of-the-year to leave, let's hope we stop that unfortunate statistic this season, and wish Simon the best of luck in is new home, just remember your a defender first Franno.
Meanwhile, to continue a Southend link with Charlton, of sorts, Paul Benson, well he was born in the Essex town and his Dad's a life-long Shrimper, who has regularly topped the scoring charts with newly promoted Dagenham & Redbridge, has been linked with a move to that club's League One rivals.
Daggers boss John Still told www.skysports.com: "Charlton have spoken to us and they have made two bids for Paul Benson. But the offers were nowhere near our valuation of Paul. Absoutely we want to keep him as he is a quality player, but we have always been sensible in letting players move on. We will not stand in his way if the right offer is made and the move is right for Paul. We've left it with Charlton and we will see what they do next."
The Francis Files
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Simon Charles Francis | ||
| Date of birth | 16 February 1985 (1985-02-16) | ||
| Place of birth | Nottingham, England | ||
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Playing position | Defender | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Charlton Athletic | ||
| Number | TBC | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2002-2004 | Bradford City | 55 | (1) |
| 2004-2006 | Sheffield United | 12 | (0) |
| 2005 | → Grimsby Town (loan) | 5 | (0) |
| 2005-2006 | → Tranmere Rovers (loan) | 17 | (1) |
| 2006-2010 | Southend United | 157 | (4) |
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 17:55, 11 May 2010 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). | |||
(Player information supplied by Wikipedia, for the full article go here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Francis_(footballer)