Released Bournemouth defender trialling with Charlton Athletic
Former Bournemouth defender Chris Francis is on trial with Charlton Athletic.
The left-sided centre-back played the opening 45 minutes for the Addicks in today’s pre-season friendly at Welling United.
The South London club were 3-0 up at the interval with Sam Lavelle, Karoy Anderson and Zach Mitchell on target.
Francis was released by Bournemouth this summer.
They signed him to their development squad in May 2022. He had previously played non-league for North Leigh in the Southern League Division One central.
Francis, speaking to Bournemouth’s official website when he joined, said: “My football journey started at Swindon Town from the age of six. I progressed through the academy, but was released at 18 after my scholarship ended last summer.
“After a busy summer, I started the season with North Leigh, who were excellent in helping me develop. I played over 30 games it taught me a lot, especially the physical side of the game in competitive football.
“It was a new challenge as the game is played differently to what I was used to. My experience there also showed how vital the ‘uglier’ side of the game was and how to fight for three points to push on in the league.
“I can’t thank the staff enough at North Leigh for the extra sessions and time they put in to helping me push on.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
I have never seen the point of putting our first team players at risk of injury against a low level team who’s players are obviously going to stop their higher level opponents in any way possible to make themselves look good without the ability to stop them legally. What is the point of the game ? We now have an injury to our main striker before the season even starts.