Simon Francis

[broomhillblade]

Interesting article in the Stir regarding Simon Francis.

http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/foot...i-blew-my-lane-chance-simon-francis-1-4425325

He looked good (to me at least) when he first came and I was surprised that he didn't play more games in the first team. Now we know why.

Its a good example of how the fans don't always know what's going on in the background when they criticise managers' decisions.

(Cue posts from loads of people who will now say "I always thought Francis was rubbish")

 

[blade too long]

shows , players need to focus 100% , which is why Madine will disappear as lager drowns him

 

[i3lade4life]

Takes a big man to be so honest about things. How many players would blame the club for not supporting him through "hard" times? Lets hope he doesnt shine too much tomorrow.
UTB

 

[Robbie]

I was always a big fan of Francis, and always wondered why he wasn't given a decent chance.
This explains a lot, and it is a shame, as he looked a very good prospect.

 

[JohnDenver]

Certainly does explain things. When he played in the Youth Cup semi final for us he looked a man amongst boys. And in his first few games in the Championship too.

So many lost talents out there it's scary.

 

[axel smeets]

I remember when he left in summer 2006 to go to Southend, he gave a bitter and twisted interview in the Star, which they must have took great delight in printing, saying basically that 'swfc are a much bigger club than sufc and we will get relegated at the first attempt.'

It seems now that the boy has learnt the art of contrition.

 

[Bergen Blade]

In 2004/2005 we had Andy Liddle on the right wing, an excellent crosser of the ball, but he had lost his pace and was unable to get past full backs. We were crying out for an attacking, overlapping right back and Simon Francis had all the attributes that we were missing. At the time I was frustrated that Warnock seemingly prefered the much more holding Leigh Bromby.

At the time this was causing quite a bit of debate on BU. I maintain that our lack of an attacking right back was holding us back at the time, and when we as fans discuss team selections i think we should still assume that the players are fit and motivated - until we are told differently. Agree?

I eventually did find out about what Francis is admitting in the article and stopped suggesting him in line ups.

 

[Silent Blade]

In 2004/2005 we had Andy Liddle on the right wing, an excellent crosser of the ball, but he had lost his pace and was unable to get past full backs. We were crying out for an attacking, overlapping right back and Simon Francis had all the attributes that we were missing. At the time I was frustrated that Warnock seemingly prefered the much more holding Leigh Bromby.

At the time this was causing quite a bit of debate on BU. I maintain that our lack of an attacking right back was holding us back at the time, and when we as fans discuss team selections i think we should still assume that the players are fit and motivated - until we are told differently. Agree?

I eventually did find out about what Francis is admitting in the article and stopped suggesting him in line ups.

I watched him in a lot of reserves games around that time and he was really poor especially when it came to positioning and his challenges especially in the air (despite that he was one of our tallest players) were weak

 

[Bladesman]

He just totally went off the boil.

Another player that missed his chance to do well but since then we have gone on to produce our own attacking right backs anyway.

 

[Bergen Blade]

I watched him in a lot of reserves games around that time and he was really poor especially when it came to positioning and his challenges especially in the air (despite that he was one of our tallest players) were weak

Could be coincidental, but also watched him in training twice in that period and the decline in effort and enthusiasm was very obvious.

 

[shreds1975]

When he had a chance I always thought Francis had tremendous promise. Comfortable with the ball at his feet, a willingness to attack and strong in the tackle. I also remember being annoyed at his bitter & twisted criticism when he left. No we know what was going on and fair play to him for maturing, holding his hand up and admitting he was at fault.

I always wondered why he never got a decent run in the team

 

[SwissBlade]

I really liked him, thought he was decent and was surprised when he left.

This does explain a lot though. Sounds like he enjoyed himself whilst his career went to ratshit

 

[Sheff de party]

NEXT WEEK: "I blew my (second) Lane chance" by Lee Morris.