Francis - what's up with him?

[Yorkshire Blue]

Agreed. Good post. If any blame needs attaching it should go to Betsey. From the West we could clearly see that his only contribution was to point at players from his safe position somewhere near the centre of the field, leaving it to Frances to handle 2 players. His cover for Frances was appalling.

It has been all season. Part of the reason we've conceded so many this season has been Betsy and HRK's defensive work has been anywhere nearly good enough.

 

[sufcalways]

It has been all season. Part of the reason we've conceded so many this season has been Betsy and HRK's defensive work has been anywhere nearly good enough.

Absolutely

 

[dashman]

Interesting response by someone on 606 to criticism of Franno and well worth reading by those who question his commitment

comment by Wickfordexile (U11382307)
posted Yesterday
I'm sorry but GAWAC has not said it all. In fact he's said nothing!

"No passion, no guts, no tactical awareness."
Francis was NOT out of position when they scored. He'd moved across as any full back should in that situation.Their attack was wide down our left. I was in the West Stand and saw him look back to see his man hugging the touchline with Betsy nowhere. You could see the look on his face! He almost got back to him, but was too late. But where was the cover? Don't blame Francis.Tactically, he was correct and you are wrong!

Did you see Francis (again) chasing back to the byline to disposses their forward, before receiving a poor throw out from Mildenhall which he had to chase to the halfway line before winning another tackle. So, 50 yard sprint, tackle won, 50 yard sprint, another tackle won. And all of this in the 90th minute while we're chasing the game. No passion? What the hell do you want.

Now, you tell us all what you want. Well I'll tell you what we need, and that's for 'fans' like you to either shut up or get behind the team. What we don't need is ignorant criticism.

Go Kay,

New feisty side - me like!

GRRRR!!!

I thought Si looked like he was playing with a cold, he was good in patches etc, no worse than anyone else outhere really, we didn't look 'up for it' as a side IMHO! It is totally wrong to go blaming individuals, unless we miss a penalty or something!!!!

We get the next one eh............

 

[OldBlueLady]

Go Kay,

New feisty side - me like!

GRRRR!!!

I thought Si looked like he was playing with a cold, he was good in patches etc, no worse than anyone else outhere really, we didn't look 'up for it' as a side IMHO! It is totally wrong to go blaming individuals, unless we miss a penalty or something!!!!

We get the next one eh............

Dash - I can be feisty, heaven knows there's a few on here can testify to that! But those weren't my words, but a quote - although I had pointed out pretty much the same fact about the incident with Mildenhall elsewhere here.

 

[united we stand]

Interesting response by someone on 606 to criticism of Franno and well worth reading by those who question his commitment

comment by Wickfordexile (U11382307)
Their attack was wide down our left. I was in the West Stand and saw him look back to see his man hugging the touchline with Betsy nowhere. You could see the look on his face! He almost got back to him, but was too late. But where was the cover? Don't blame Francis.Tactically, he was correct and you are wrong!

quote]


Isn't the above a contradiction? 'he almost got back to him but he was too late'. I was in block V in the west. From my perspective the issue was he was out of position before the move even started--- but thats just my opinion---- and he does it all the time. I fully appreciate that he shouln't be right next to him all the time, but the distance he leaves sometimes is frigning 'tactically he was correct and youa re wrong' --isn't that an opinion rather than a fact

 

[OldBlueLady]

Interesting response by someone on 606 to criticism of Franno and well worth reading by those who question his commitment

comment by Wickfordexile (U11382307)
Their attack was wide down our left. I was in the West Stand and saw him look back to see his man hugging the touchline with Betsy nowhere. You could see the look on his face! He almost got back to him, but was too late. But where was the cover? Don't blame Francis.Tactically, he was correct and you are wrong!

quote]


Isn't the above a contradiction? 'he almost got back to him but he was too late'. I was in block V in the west. From my perspective the issue was he was out of position before the move even started--- but thats just my opinion---- and he does it all the time. I fully appreciate that he shouln't be right next to him all the time, but the distance he leaves sometimes is frigning 'tactically he was correct and youa re wrong' --isn't that an opinion rather than a fact

As I said before - those are not my words, just a post I've lifted from 606 to add a bit more to the discussion.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Interesting response by someone on 606 to criticism of Franno and well worth reading by those who question his commitment

comment by Wickfordexile (U11382307)
Their attack was wide down our left. I was in the West Stand and saw him look back to see his man hugging the touchline with Betsy nowhere. You could see the look on his face! He almost got back to him, but was too late. But where was the cover? Don't blame Francis.Tactically, he was correct and you are wrong!

quote]


Isn't the above a contradiction? 'he almost got back to him but he was too late'. I was in block V in the west. From my perspective the issue was he was out of position before the move even started--- but thats just my opinion---- and he does it all the time. I fully appreciate that he shouln't be right next to him all the time, but the distance he leaves sometimes is frigning 'tactically he was correct and youa re wrong' --isn't that an opinion rather than a fact

The issue was surely that he was faced with a 2 on 1?

 

[united we stand]

The issue was surely that he was faced with a 2 on 1?

Sorry, I am being a bit harsh and am taking my frustation out on Francis. I have just watched it again on Virgin Media. I guess I should be asking ' why when we actually outnumbered them at the back was Francis left 2-1 ?



However the absue he got, was totally wrong (IMO), some people were moaning even when he did everything 100% right.

 

[philtalkin]

Agree he was poor and out of sorts again in 1st, but good reaction from what must have been said at HT.

Don't listen to the snipers Franno, many have probably never played a competitive ball game in their life, let alone know anything about football.

If I'd put in a performance like that in the first half, then I wouldn't expect to start the second. If I did, I'd be constantly looking over, expecting to see my number held up!

 

[Irate Ian]

If I'd put in a performance like that in the first half, then I wouldn't expect to start the second. If I did, I'd be constantly looking over, expecting to see my number held up!

Yes but Tilly has more trust and loyalty with his players than you give credit for and rightfully so. That is why he has respect of the team/squad and is able to build team spirit.

He does not give up on supporting his players, unless disciplinary issues arise and neither should we.

 

[Chelmer Shrimper]

For me Betsy is most of Francis' problem and gives the perception that we have a poor fullback. I will admit that Franno has not been as assured going forwards and his touch at times has been poor allowing him to lose possession cheaply. But he has been making the best of a very bad situation.

Betsy allows the opposing Fullback acres of space by standing a good 10 yards off him at all times, you'll find him closer to the winger's back than getting in the face of the fullback. On Saturday Cadermarteri was able to get tight to Francis allowing his fullback, once on the move, to pick out a pass and Francis is then left with a choice of who to stay with winger or striker.

Betsey's lack of defending has been to an extent covered up in recent weeks by JFC as he saw what was happening and would in most cases get himself in the right position to break up the move or would move over to help Francis. Without a player with JFC's ability to read the game we are being exposed everytime by a our players not closing down the other team quickly enough.

I feel that a our midfield is exposing our defensive frailties and its also preventing us from supporting our strikers. I don't think its a coincidence that since the departure of Sawyer and JFC we have looked a much worse side both going forwards and when having to defend.

 

[Irate Ian]

For me Betsy is most of Francis' problem and gives the perception that we have a poor fullback. I will admit that Franno has not been as assured going forwards and his touch at times has been poor allowing him to lose possession cheaply. But he has been making the best of a very bad situation.

Betsy allows the opposing Fullback acres of space by standing a good 10 yards off him at all times, you'll find him closer to the winger's back than getting in the face of the fullback. On Saturday Cadermarteri was able to get tight to Francis allowing his fullback, once on the move, to pick out a pass and Francis is then left with a choice of who to stay with winger or striker.

Betsey's lack of defending has been to an extent covered up in recent weeks by JFC as he saw what was happening and would in most cases get himself in the right position to break up the move or would move over to help Francis. Without a player with JFC's ability to read the game we are being exposed everytime by a our players not closing down the other team quickly enough.

I feel that a our midfield is exposing our defensive frailties and its also preventing us from supporting our strikers. I don't think its a coincidence that since the departure of Sawyer and JFC we have looked a much worse side both going forwards and when having to defend.

Although I am a big fan of Francis, who cannot become a bad player overnight, he does seem out of sorts with himself, for whatever unknown reason as expressed by others on here, which has unfortunately led to a witchhunt calling for him to be axed in favour of Sankofa !!!!!!!

SF is not cutting out the crosses at source [2 or 3 occasions in first half Saturday I thought he could and should have done so] and more importantly seems reluctant to put in a fierce tackle on opposing wingers to make his presence known.

I know tackling in the modern game is being frowned upon by many refs but a good and well time sliding tackle whilst out wide [so cover is in behind if goes wrong] can be a very useful and legitimate weapon to impose himself a little more. That can be said for a few others in the side also.

Apart from Macca, Revell, Barrett, Harding & Clarke we seem to be coming up a little bit short in the "metal" of the team, whereas we were top of the disciplinary table not so long ago.

 

[philtalkin]

Yes but Tilly has more trust and loyalty with his players than you give credit for and rightfully so. That is why he has respect of the team/squad and is able to build team spirit.

He does not give up on supporting his players, unless disciplinary issues arise and neither should we.

Yes, but his trust in this case perhaps cost us 3 points (or at least 1). A Manager's job is to make changes, BEFORE things go wrong. Pro active not reactive.

I and many others could see by half time that we would lose the game, unless early changes were made.

I am not singling out Francis but he was one of the worst players in the first half.

Tilson should have made 2 or 3 changes at half time, Sankofa on for Francis and Grant on for Betsy (Milsom on left, Stanislas on right and Grant in the middle). Freedman on for last 30 mins, unless we were forced to do something else.

It might not have worked, but we had nothing to lose, except an inevitable defeat.

Desperate times call for tough decisions. Blind loyalty at all costs is not an option when you are sinking fast! :stunned:

 

[Richard_Cadette]

Although I am a big fan of Francis, who cannot become a bad player overnight

I 100% agree with you there - He hasn't become a bad player overnight - he's been a less than adequate full back from the moment we signed him!!

Simon Francis is turning into a bit of an enigma for me. When he is charging forward and delivering decent crosses, it is easy to forgive the shortcomings of other areas of his game. The problem is, those shortcomings are causing him to continually make mistakes and get caught out in the very job he is supposed to be doing - defending.

With work, he has all the attributes of becoming a decent right sided midfielder - he can beat players, he can deliver excellent crosses, and he can score, but he will never be a decent right back for as long as I have breath in my body.

The other thing that Francis causes is for Peter Clarke to continually be out of position having to try and cover for his AWOL moments. This inturn can unsettle the entire defence, and that has to be linked to why we concede so many goals.

A lot of this is irrelevant, however, as we have no alternative at right back. No genuine cover, and nobody pressing him to take his place.

 

[united we stand]

Although I am a big fan of Francis, who cannot become a bad player overnight, he does seem out of sorts with himself, for whatever unknown reason as expressed by others on here, which has unfortunately led to a witchhunt calling for him to be axed in favour of Sankofa !!!!!!!

SF is not cutting out the crosses at source [2 or 3 occasions in first half Saturday I thought he could and should have done so] and more importantly seems reluctant to put in a fierce tackle on opposing wingers to make his presence known.

I know tackling in the modern game is being frowned upon by many refs but a good and well time sliding tackle whilst out wide [so cover is in behind if goes wrong] can be a very useful and legitimate weapon to impose himself a little more. That can be said for a few others in the side also.

.

Ian- totally agree - but would go further than this, he simply does not tackle when the opportunity presents itself. Yes this is clearly a generalization, and clearly there are examples when he does tackle (he is a defender after all),but I bet you could make a long video of missed tackling opportunities. As an aside (and this is secondary) sliding tackles are also crowd pleasers and they would help get some 'supporters' off his back

 

[Irate Ian]

Yes, but his trust in this case perhaps cost us 3 points (or at least 1). A Manager's job is to make changes, BEFORE things go wrong. Pro active not reactive.

I and many others could see by half time that we would lose the game, unless early changes were made.

I am not singling out Francis but he was one of the worst players in the first half.

Tilson should have made 2 or 3 changes at half time, Sankofa on for Francis and Grant on for Betsy (Milsom on left, Stanislas on right and Grant in the middle). Freedman on for last 30 mins, unless we were forced to do something else.

It might not have worked, but we had nothing to lose, except an inevitable defeat.

Desperate times call for tough decisions. Blind loyalty at all costs is not an option when you are sinking fast! :stunned:

Depends how desperate T & B considered the position to be at 0-0 at half time and only 1-0 down later. IMO knee jerk reactions are often the worst made, and giving the players every chance to turn it round must be right.

They are not crystal ball gazers and the subs they made definitely did make a difference, so why should you be thinking your choices of subs would have done any better ?

Most noticeable to me was Freedman, getting the team talking, seems to me to have been too quiet on the pitch and he stirred them up, by seeking to get the whole team to squeeze the play more, which is exactly what was needed.

 

[OldBlueLady]

This is in the latest Blues Insider (same place as Revelling in it comes from) and was originally printed in Saturday's programme

Simon’s Settled

Having recently clocked up 100 appearances for Southend United, Simon Francis now stands as one of the longest serving players at the club.

It provides all the proof you need that he could not be happier here; with Francis admitting he is firmly settled in Essex having signed a long term contract to extend his stay over the summer.

In fact, Francis has started every match for the Blues this season - mainly featuring at right back, but also showing his versatility in switching to the left-hand side, as well as pushing into midfield.

Francis recently made his 100th appearance for Southend in the first round of the FA Cup and was pleased to mark such an occasion with his first goal of the season in a 2-0 win over AFC Telford – a result which helped pave the way for next month’s mouth watering trip to Chelsea.

“It was brilliant to reach 100 appearances for Southend and to score my first goal of the season as well against Telford made it even more special,” he said.

“It was good to get through to the next round of the FA Cup and having beaten Luton, to draw Chelsea away in the third round is one of the biggest ties the club has ever had.

“The main thing at the moment that the lads have been talking about is the league though, as we need to get back on track with a good run of results.

“I really enjoy my time here. It is always hard at first when you join a new club.

“I remember I met the boys at the airport, we went to Bermuda for pre-season and that was even harder getting to know everyone when you’re in a different country.

“I have settled in really well now and live down here. There are only about three or four players who were here when I first signed, but all the lads are great.

“It is a completely transformed team, but I think we have the right mix of players.”

Last season, Christmas provided few cheers for Southend, as a disappointing run of form left them playing catch up at the top, once the New Year rolled over.

“With the squad that we have got, when everyone is fit, I think we have to be up there. In a good way, we have games coming up where we can try and rekindle our form.

“We had a disappointing spell last Christmas, but it turned around for us in the New Year.

“But looking at the league, now is as good a time as any for us to get points back on the board.

“There are lots of games coming up and the way things have gone, we want to play as many games as we can during this period to help us climb up the table.

“With the players we have got here, there is no doubt that we should be in the play-offs.”

The league may be the main focus for Southend right now, but it is impossible not to talk about the FA Cup draw at Chelsea.

The magic of the FA Cup has certainly been in force at Roots Hall this week, as supporters have been snapping up their tickets in droves ahead of the Blues traveling to Stamford Bridge on January 3rd.

And Francis is just one of the many players at the club relishing such an occasion, as he admitted: “It is a great draw for the club.

“All the fans were queuing early in the morning for tickets and that’s the kind of support we have.

“It will be a really good day out and it’s going to be exciting playing at Chelsea.

“I have got a lot of family that want to come down for the game and a lot of people come out of the woodwork as soon as you draw a big team, asking if you can get tickets!

“The league is the priority though and I’m sure no one will be thinking about the Chelsea game until it comes around.

“But when it does come around, it will be one of the biggest games of my career and I’m sure a lot of the other lads here as well.”

 

[Irate Ian]

IMO and I dont mind popping my head above the parapit here to be sniped at, Simon Francis is one of the most likely in our team to come out of the Chelsea game looking not so much out of place in comparison with the class & company of the opposition.

Just have the feeling he may raise the bar for this one, and be capable of doing so.

Yes I agree that what we want is consistency through 46 league matches, but I look forward to continuing this debate after 3 January.

 

[Irate Ian]

I 100% agree with you there - He hasn't become a bad player overnight - he's been a less than adequate full back from the moment we signed him!!

Simon Francis is turning into a bit of an enigma for me. When he is charging forward and delivering decent crosses, it is easy to forgive the shortcomings of other areas of his game. The problem is, those shortcomings are causing him to continually make mistakes and get caught out in the very job he is supposed to be doing - defending.

With work, he has all the attributes of becoming a decent right sided midfielder - he can beat players, he can deliver excellent crosses, and he can score, but he will never be a decent right back for as long as I have breath in my body.

The other thing that Francis causes is for Peter Clarke to continually be out of position having to try and cover for his AWOL moments. This inturn can unsettle the entire defence, and that has to be linked to why we concede so many goals.

A lot of this is irrelevant, however, as we have no alternative at right back. No genuine cover, and nobody pressing him to take his place.

Sorry but your opening comment is plainly a wind-up. SF forced his way into the side by producing a string of superb performances to oust Hunt from this position.

Cannot treat the rest of your post with any seriousness as your mind is clearly prejudiced against him, and that goes against the grain IMO of being supportive of a player who may be going through a difficicult period.

 

[Benfleet Blue]

I 100% agree with you there - He hasn't become a bad player overnight - he's been a less than adequate full back from the moment we signed him!!

Simon Francis is turning into a bit of an enigma for me. When he is charging forward and delivering decent crosses, it is easy to forgive the shortcomings of other areas of his game. The problem is, those shortcomings are causing him to continually make mistakes and get caught out in the very job he is supposed to be doing - defending.

With work, he has all the attributes of becoming a decent right sided midfielder - he can beat players, he can deliver excellent crosses, and he can score, but he will never be a decent right back for as long as I have breath in my body.

The other thing that Francis causes is for Peter Clarke to continually be out of position having to try and cover for his AWOL moments. This inturn can unsettle the entire defence, and that has to be linked to why we concede so many goals.

A lot of this is irrelevant, however, as we have no alternative at right back. No genuine cover, and nobody pressing him to take his place.

RC once again I have to agree with you.

SF has never looked a competent defender since he signed. He pulls out of 50:50 challenges, gets caught the wrong side of his man and rarely times any tackeles he does make well.

I would think that statistics will bear out the number of goals we have conceded from our right wing and how many times I've heard the problems on this side from away commentaries, Brighton last year, and Bas Savage springs to mind, as well as the number of times I've seen this in games watched.

I also believe that SF would prove to be a far more beneficial right side midfield player as he has the attributes to get forward and support as well as throwing in the occasional decent cross. His defensive duties would then be less crucial.

However, I too feel he has been a less than competent defender since he signed.