The popular defender has spoken about how he feels the Cherries will do in the Championship, believing that the Club will more than hold its' own at the higher level.
Speaking in the Bournemouth Evening Echo, Francis is quoted as saying: "I really feel the Championship is where this club belongs. With the structure and finances behind us, the club is going places and I think it will be an exciting season. I have played at that level and it will be tough. I would say it will be physically tough more than anything. I think we have got ability in abundance in our squad but the step up physically is going to be a difference. There are a lot of bigger and stronger players in the Championship than there are in League One. If we can deal with that, we won’t have a problem because we passed the ball as well as anyone in League One and can do the same in the one above".
On possible future signings, which may see competition at the right back position: "The manager came in, saw me play a couple of games and kept faith in me. He didn’t bring in anyone as a right-back but we have got players who can play there. I would like to think I will be in his mind to be starting in the Championship. The club is in the best place it has been for many years and it is a great time to be in the Championship. I don’t think we will be looking to just stay there and will be looking to prove a few people wrong. I am sure the doubters will be saying we are odds-on to be relegated. We will be working extra hard in pre-season because we know how hard it is going to perform in the Championship after coming up from League One".
Source: Cherries MAD
Source: FOOTYMAD
