Southend United Football Club

• Nickname:Shrimpers
• Founded:1906
• Manager:Paul Sturrock

• Ground:Roots Hall
• Capacity:12392

Francis commits to Shrimpers

01 Jul 2008 - 12:49:46

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Promising Southend United defender Simon Francis has committed his long-term future to the club by penning a new three-year contract at Roots Hall.

The 23-year-old has made 80 appearances for the Shrimpers in his two seasons with the club following his transfer from Sheffield United in the summer of 2006.

Francis had been placed on the transfer list earlier this year, but is adamant that his desire was always to remain with the club.

He told United's official website: "I'm delighted to have finally signed the new deal.

"It's been a long time coming and I just wanted to get it sorted as soon as I got back from holiday. I always knew that I wanted to sign again as soon as the club said they wanted to keep me.

"It's always the case with contract negotiations, as things aren't always going to be exactly what you want first time around.

"It's just a matter of discussing things and getting things right and in order, and that came around quite quickly in the end."