Francis loving new leadership role

Simon Francis is relishing the responsibility of being Bournemouth’s new captain despite the squad’s mixed start to the season.

Francis was promoted from vice-skipper over the summer after Tommy Elphick agreed a move to Championship side Aston Villa.

And the former Charlton Athletic man admits he’s already been put through the full range of emotions in his new job, which has included defeat in the opening two Premier League games and an EFL Cup win over Morecombe.

“It’s always tough as captain, you take the losses even harder but when you win games it’s even better as a captain,” he said.

“The responsibilities are massive and my job is to rally around the lads if we’ve lost games.

Photo credit GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

“It’s important for me to be that leader and hopefully get a good mood in and around the camp so that we can build on it.”

The Bournemouth skipper has also praised the signing of Marc Wilson, who made his debut against Morecombe, from Stoke City and the knowledge of the league he brings.

“He brings that experience, a wealth of experience especially in the Premier League,” he added.

“He’s an aggressive defender and that’s what we need; centre halves to be aggressive against some big strikers which we will come up against in the Premier League.

“It’s a great addition to the squad that’s for sure.”