He may not be perfect but his crosses WERE top notch and his defending nowhere near as bad as some make out. Useful in the air and if he had an orthodox winger making runs (as opposed to an attacker like Waggy) his ball in the channel would have been more useful too
Given the way we are likely to play this season, on the deck, he'd actually be pretty useful imo
Whilst on the subject of Southend favourites not doing so well at Charlton... what happened to Alan McCormack? If I remember correctly the opening game of last season against you I thought he played quite well agaisnt us on his debut but can't remember him playing loads of games for you?
Oh dear. I think it's safe to say that you've asked about the two players last year who were in pole position for the "Scapegoat of the year" award, and not without justification.
I have absolutely no time for Simon Francis. He had several chances to prove himself and each and every time he seemed to get progressively worse. Without doubt one of the worst regulars I have seen in a Charlton shirt. Seeing Francis leave would be our biggest coupe of the transfer window so far!
"Lies, damned lies, andstatistics" is a phrase describing the persuasive power of numbers, particularly the use of statistics to bolster weak arguments!
oaksaddick 9:37PM Quote BlackForestReds said: I found it hard to dislike him although he attracted the ire of many of our fans. It's fair to say that he struggled, going forward he looked ok and is a good passer, but too often was caught out of position or didn't anticipate a through ball that well. He grew in confidence as the season wore on, but if he never graced the first team again he wouldn't be missed. To be fair he never hid and worked hard, I'd say L1 is his level.
That's the only bit i don't agree with. He just hoofed the ball forward aimlessly, meaning we lost possession 9 times out of 10.
Francis - often out of position. Awful passer of the ball, one good cross in 10 and not a great defender. McOxo - worst player to have played for Charlton in the 30 years i have been going.
I think criticism of Francis is very short sighted. He definitely made too many errors but also showed me that he has the attributes to be a very good right back. I think Powell will know this too and despite what some on here say, I am confident he knows enough about football not to sell him.
There's deffo a player in Francis somewhere and I've seen enough of him to hope we'll drag it out next year... I's rather we keep him than not I don't see much between him and solly And one of the reasons he'd hoof it forward was there wasn't many options and he'd rather get rid than lose possession And he can wrap his foot around the ball for a decent cross unlike our non crossing winger wagstaff , although he may be better suited elsewhere in the side
However, also thought his confidence was shot to pieces. You could hear the crowd groan every time he made a mistake or even went near the ball. If he regains his confidence, who knows.
Personally think CP will look to bring in another RB.
There's deffo a player in Francis somewhere and I've seen enough of him to hope we'll drag it out next year... I's rather we keep him than not I don't see much between him and solly And one of the reasons he'd hoof it forward was there wasn't many options and he'd rather get rid than lose possession And he can wrap his foot around the ball for a decent cross unlike our non crossing winger wagstaff , although he may be better suited elsewhere in the side
This.
Official Charlton "Scapegoat of the Year".
We all know there are better fullbacks around than Francis, but this is League 1 for crying out loud. If we had a better right back, he would have been sold - and Carl Jenkinson was.
Sure, he'd make a mistake or 2 in the match, but show me a League One player who never makes a mistake? But Francis is hardworking and willing to get up and down the line as often as possible.
His crossing could be a bit hit and miss, but when it came off it was very decent. In fact I'd say Francis often offered our best attacking threat.
We had more penetration going forward with Francis in the side, than ever we did when he wasn't playing.
He got off to a poor start due to missing pre-season training but gradually improved. Like a lot of players at this level ....... Francis is as good as the players around him.
Comments
He may not be perfect but his crosses WERE top notch and his defending nowhere near as bad as some make out. Useful in the air and if he had an orthodox winger making runs (as opposed to an attacker like Waggy) his ball in the channel would have been more useful too
Given the way we are likely to play this season, on the deck, he'd actually be pretty useful imo
Player in there somewhere, we just didn't see him enough. no doubt he'll be great for whoever next.
BlackForestReds said:
I found it hard to dislike him although he attracted the ire of many of our fans. It's fair to say that he struggled, going forward he looked ok and is a good passer, but too often was caught out of position or didn't anticipate a through ball that well. He grew in confidence as the season wore on, but if he never graced the first team again he wouldn't be missed. To be fair he never hid and worked hard, I'd say L1 is his level.
That's the only bit i don't agree with. He just hoofed the ball forward aimlessly, meaning we lost possession 9 times out of 10.
Totally agree
It's what makes him such a league one "mid table" player...
Imagine if he actually looked up and decided to pass the ball...
McOck I hope your reading..
McOxo - worst player to have played for Charlton in the 30 years i have been going.
Beds
I honestly dont think i have seen a worse player than francis, run a close second my Mcormack,
I's rather we keep him than not I don't see much between him and solly
And one of the reasons he'd hoof it forward was there wasn't many options and he'd rather get rid than lose possession
And he can wrap his foot around the ball for a decent cross unlike our non crossing winger wagstaff , although he may be better suited elsewhere in the side
Thought he was poor last season.
However, also thought his confidence was shot to pieces. You could hear the crowd groan every time he made a mistake or even went near the ball. If he regains his confidence, who knows.
Personally think CP will look to bring in another RB.
Official Charlton "Scapegoat of the Year".
We all know there are better fullbacks around than Francis, but this is League 1 for crying out loud.
If we had a better right back, he would have been sold - and Carl Jenkinson was.
Sure, he'd make a mistake or 2 in the match, but show me a League One player who never makes a mistake?
But Francis is hardworking and willing to get up and down the line as often as possible.
His crossing could be a bit hit and miss, but when it came off it was very decent.
In fact I'd say Francis often offered our best attacking threat.
We had more penetration going forward with Francis in the side, than ever we did when he wasn't playing.
He got off to a poor start due to missing pre-season training but gradually improved.
Like a lot of players at this level ....... Francis is as good as the players around him.