It's Roots Château as Christope confirms four week loan deal

Last updated : 01 September 2008 By Shrimpers24

So, the 21 year old midfielder playing for Portsmouth, Jean-Francois Christope, has finally joined our growing list of players on loan, have also played for Yeovil Town FC, and speak French.

Hopefully this is not a panic move but after Saturday's nightmare second half we had to do something. He's already spent two weeks on trail and a deal was always thought to be close with Bailey's transfer, Maccas injury and, finally, Moussa's suspension, leaving our midfield options somewhat limited.

Speaking to www.southendunited.co.uk the French player said: "I am happy to find a club to go on loan to for a couple of months, (well one for the moment Jean-Francois), and play some football. I think Southend is a good team to enjoy playing at and to show what I can do on the pitch. Last season was my first year in England and I learnt a lot about the game. Harry Redknapp has said to me that he sees me as a holding player and that is the best way for me to develop".

Christophe had actually recommended Francis Laurent for a trail with Southend where they have known each other since they were 14!  "I have known Francis for a long time and I know his strengths so I hope we get the opportunity to play in the same team."

Maybe sooner than you think. Jean-Francois is available for tomorrows JPT match against the Borient so expect both our new gaelic friends to get a game.

Land snail

Mmmm...lunch

The Francois-Christope Files

Jean Francois-Christope (born 27 June 1987 in Creil, France) is a French football player that Portsmouth football club bought from French club RC Lens in the summer transfer window of 2007.

He has operated in midfield and defence for Bournemouth and Portsmouth reserves, with his best position as a defensive midfielder. He had recently been loaned out to League 1 side, Yeovil FC.

"He is a big lad, about 6ft 2ins, and looks to play more of a holding role," the Yeovils' assistant manager Steve Thompson told the Western Daily Press. "Having a big midfielder is good for defending set pieces and attacking set pieces," he added.

While the Glovers boss Russell Slade, commenting on a sad 1-0 home defeat to Millwall last March, believed the one bright spot was the debut for the on-loan Christophe.

"I thought he started very well, he faded a little bit second half but he made a really good impact, particularly for the first half an hour. He'll have to build on that." Didn't get much more of a chance, he only stayed 19 days!

Club information
Current clubPortsmouth
Number29
Youth clubs
-2007RC Lens
Senior clubs
YearsClubApp (Gls)
2007-
2007-08
2008
Portsmouth
→ A.F.C. Bournemouth (loan)
→ Yeovil Town FC (loan)*
0 (0)
11 (1)
5 (0)

*March 11 to March 30 2008!