Matthew Le God Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 (edited) Southend's right back and their player of the year... http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/8681230.stm Could the unnamed League One team that Southend have accepted a bid from be Saints? It is likely to be one of the bigger League One clubs. Peterborough have previously had a bid turned down for him. I can't think of many other clubs in League One in the financial position to afford him apart from Huddersfield, Brighton, Peterborough and Saints. The rest of the larger teams in the League such as Sheff Weds, Plymouth and Charlton have no money and are unlikely to be bidding. Fans view - http://www.shrimperzone.com/vb/showthread.php?t=60892 Southend OS - http://www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10444~2058504,00.html Edited 24 May, 2010 by Matthew Le God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the saint in winchester Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 If he's a RB, and you say he is, then ... I deduce we are said "mystery League 1 side." So where does this leave the move for Calderon, if indeed we are the side who have offered for Francis? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Um Bongo Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Quick, someone get the Echo on the case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Strong rumours it could be Posh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 If he's a RB, and you say he is, then ... I deduce we are said "mystery League 1 side." So where does this leave the move for Calderon, if indeed we are the side who have offered for Francis? We need 2 RB's, both of equal quality. Francis was one of the best players in their team on the last day of the season IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint 76er Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Well, one Shrimper fan thinks it's likely to be Brighton. Fair call really, since we are apparently taking their RB. LOL at another SUFC fan who says that Saints scout who watched Lee Barnard bang in the goals, must also have noticed who supplied all the crosses! If we do get Francis + Calderon then RB sorted and cheaply too. SUFC fan was suggesting 150K for Francis. Seems reasonable as he has a year left on his contract, but was player of the year for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 We need 2 RB's, both of equal quality. Francis was one of the best players in their team on the last day of the season IMO. I thought he was pretty mediocre to be honest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_lambden Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Quick, someone get the Echo on the case. Not until the Daily Fail report it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Didn't look anything special. Would rather have Calderon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 the mysterious under cover nature of this stinks of Cortese IMO. Decent player Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miserableoldgit Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 the mysterious under cover nature of this stinks of Cortese IMO. Decent player Even though the club mentioned may not be us??:confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wireframebox Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 I was about to post this myself, but you saved me the effort. I'd be surprised if it wasn't us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scudamore Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 As a fullback he combines all the qualities of Simon Charlton together with those of Francis Benali. The perfect fullback? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Even though the club mentioned may not be us??:confused: er that was what i was saying. I didnt say "cant believe we have had a bid accepted and that Cortese has been under the radar again. OMG" now did i, just that i wouldn't be surprised, given the way the transfer seems to be going, that it would fit the NC mould. Sigh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Mmm, underwhelmed in a way if it's us. Let's face it, should we make a habit of signing players that have contributed to the failure of another club? Don't know - he might be the one shining light in SUFC's squad - he might be the best RB in the division when playing alongside our other players in defence. It will be a gamble though taking a player like this - he'll not be a Fonte for example - and we cannot afford to gamble next season surely? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patred44 Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 the mysterious under cover nature of this stinks of Cortese IMO. Decent player stinks of Poyet trying to hide it from us..:):) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Katalinic's 'tache Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_6170600,00.html According to Sky, he turned down Posh in January because he wanted to go to a bigger side. Maybe it is us then because there's only Sheff Weds of comparable size in League 1, if that's his criteria. Might also mean we've given up on Calderon, if he's playing games waiting for contract offers from all and sundry, or his hip injury means he failed a medical or we've 'Elliott Ward-ed' him because Francis was the player AP preferred. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markr27 Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 (edited) He looked good at St Marys, running with the ball and very decent long-range set-pieces - much better than Davis. The 'unnamed League One side' line certainly adds weight to the possibility of Saints, how many knew about Barnard for instance? Did we also pay a first option fee for Francis at the same time? If not him, maybe go for Johnny Mullins at Stockport, Club caption and can play centre half as well as right back... Edited 24 May, 2010 by markr27 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmel Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 I'm fairly confident it is us and if he plays like he did last game of the season, he is more than welcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 I thought he was pretty mediocre to be honest. Didn't look anything special. Would rather have Calderon. I'm fairly confident it is us and if he plays like he did last game of the season, he is more than welcome. Amazing how we see the same game differently. What about him impressed you Gemmel ? Not saying you are wrong,but just interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonManager Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 The full 90 mins of Southend are on SaintsPlayer should anyone wish to do an in depth analysis on the boy Francis. I would but I'm far too busy trying to reconcile black and white folk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glasgow_Saint Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 The full 90 mins of Southend are on SaintsPlayer should anyone wish to do an in depth analysis on the boy Francis. I would but I'm far too busy trying to reconcile black and white folk. Just watched it - looks rubbish! Next! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eelpie Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Mmm, underwhelmed in a way if it's us. Let's face it, should we make a habit of signing players that have contributed to the failure of another club? Don't know - he might be the one shining light in SUFC's squad - he might be the best RB in the division when playing alongside our other players in defence. It will be a gamble though taking a player like this - he'll not be a Fonte for example - and we cannot afford to gamble next season surely? I sort of agree. Tactically we should continue to sign players from clubs who are likely to be the tougher opposition next season - to weaken them (like Puncho from the Dons, which was a brilliant signing) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 I sort of agree. Tactically we should continue to sign players from clubs who are likely to be the tougher opposition next season - to weaken them (like Puncho from the Dons, which was a brilliant signing) . I wouldn't use that description yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan The Flames Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Could one of 10 clubs, its not necessarily us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 24 May, 2010 Author Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Could one of 10 clubs, its not necessarily us. Which ten clubs? Most of the "larger" clubs in this league are broke e.g. Sheff Weds, Charlton, Plymouth. And the smaller clubs either couldn't afford Francis or meet his ambitions. I'd narrow it down to Peterborough, Brighton or Saints Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markr27 Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Brentford could be the club apparently according to the Shrimpers site.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jawillwill Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Saint Francis has a lovely ring to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 from another site Had a text from a Brighton supporting friend this evening, saying they are signing Francis. They have lost their right back Calderon to Southampton. He says he has been mentioned in their local press the past two weeks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Brighton think it's us......and actually seem to hate us http://northstandchat.com/showthread.php?t=175206 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torbay Saint Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 I know that a senior scout watched Francis (albeit at their away game to H'pool game a week before the cup final). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Francis is a player i have seen play a few times, and was listed in my 'who i would like us to sign' post recently on the HCDAJFU thread Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Brighton think it's us......and actually seem to hate us http://northstandchat.com/showthread.php?t=175206 Most of what I've read on there seems to be a belief/hope that he is signing for them. And yes they are a bit bitter and twisted about us,presumably due to Calderon and their obvious inferiority complex. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpsaint Posted 24 May, 2010 Share Posted 24 May, 2010 Brighton think it's us......and actually seem to hate us http://northstandchat.com/showthread.php?t=175206 If there's one thing that winds me up more than being called scummers by the skates,it's being called scummers by anyone else. I ****ing hope we hammer them at SMS next season,see if they release a DVD of that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintNeil90 Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 Which nob on here is posting on their forum then? Get a life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 the mysterious under cover nature of this stinks of Cortese IMO. Decent player You tarnish us all when you come out with stuff like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SO16_Saint Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 You tarnish us all when you come out with stuff like that. I agree. How dare NC try to run the club in the best interests of the club and keep potential targets secret. The b***artd. Get a grip people Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 the mysterious under cover nature of this stinks of Cortese IMO. Decent player tbh.. I rather like Cortese's undercover style. He doesn't play the media game, and totally ignores rumours and gets on with his job. He doesn't have to report to anyone and " discreet bidding " makes sure we are not "guzumpt-ed." I have to say the hysteria surrounding every " Saints want to sign " media hype is enough to give you a heart attack. NOT running to the press every time we think we might want to make a bid for someone is a sound idea. It's nobody's business who we sign till it's made public and it's obvious that the HCDAJFU thread has little or no effect on the way in which AP selects his prospective signings. Although I fully expect AP to sign at least one " older, experienced player" and even a former Prem. name the bulk of his new signings are likely to be English-based players between 21-26 with some league experience in CCC or L1...although I do expect either Antonio or Papa Waigo to return...but not both. NO I don't have any inside sources. I simply study history and keep stats. If you think I'm wrong ..wait till August and see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 Mmm, underwhelmed in a way if it's us. Let's face it, should we make a habit of signing players that have contributed to the failure of another club? Don't know - he might be the one shining light in SUFC's squad - he might be the best RB in the division when playing alongside our other players in defence. It will be a gamble though taking a player like this - he'll not be a Fonte for example - and we cannot afford to gamble next season surely? There are always " good " players - even in a relegated side..and they are anxious to move on whilst others are glad not to be released. AP, Wilkins and Wally D. are well-acquainted with players at this level and surely know who they are recommending that NC should sign. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_6170600,00.html According to Sky, he turned down Posh in January because he wanted to go to a bigger side. Maybe it is us then because there's only Sheff Weds of comparable size in League 1, if that's his criteria. Might also mean we've given up on Calderon, if he's playing games waiting for contract offers from all and sundry, or his hip injury means he failed a medical or we've 'Elliott Ward-ed' him because Francis was the player AP preferred. PLUS ..there is always the "other player" factor. The old adage ..sign 'em in pairs isn't ancient history (not at this level anyway), and we already have Lee Barnard from Southend, maybe that will tip the scales. If I were manager, one of my questions to any new player would be .. "who's the best player at **(your old club) ..now that we've signed you ?. You might get some interesting answers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miserableoldgit Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 You tarnish us all when you come out with stuff like that. Apparently you are misunderstanding what he is saying like I did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skintsaint Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 must be better than our current right backs at the club Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markr27 Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 Local rag in Southend states it is indeed Brentford.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNSUN Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 Brighton think it's us......and actually seem to hate us http://northstandchat.com/showthread.php?t=175206 They appear to believe we are signing Francis AND Calderon. I say let's him them for six and sign that Gavin Hoyte that they keep bleating about as being the better of the three players... Not fussed which right back we bring in, so long as: There are two of them, one main and one happy to fight for a place, both want to be here, and one or both will be good enough for the nPC should we get promoted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 They appear to believe we are signing Francis AND Calderon. I say let's him them for six and sign that Gavin Hoyte that they keep bleating about as being the better of the three players... Not fussed which right back we bring in, so long as: There are two of them, one main and one happy to fight for a place, both want to be here, and one or both will be good enough for the nPC should we get promoted. on long contract with Arsenal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corky morris Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 Southend fan at work reckons Francis is good going forward & can deliver an excellent cross, but lacks defensively. Gets caught out of position & not the best tackler. Just sharing.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNSUN Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 on long contract with Arsenal Even better, we sign the two and give them Pulis and Molyneaux Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 You tarnish us all when you come out with stuff like that. How exactly? We all know Cortese likes to keep the deals under the radar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miserableoldgit Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 How exactly? We all know Cortese likes to keep the deals under the radar I think that the word "stinks" is open to different interpretations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 25 May, 2010 Share Posted 25 May, 2010 I think that the word "stinks" is open to different interpretations. meant it as in smells of as in seems like rather than like pompey stink. oh i dont know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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