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'Incredibly difficult to say goodbye' - have your say on Francis' exit
TL;DR
Simon Francis will leave his role as Technical Director at Bournemouth at the end of the season, expressing deep emotional ties to the club. He played for Bournemouth for nine years and captained the team into the Premier League.
Key points
- Simon Francis will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season
- He served as Technical Director after returning to the club in 2021
- Francis played for Bournemouth for nine years and captained them
Mentioned in this story
Simon FrancisBournemouth
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Simon Francis says Bournemouth will "always hold a very special place" in his heart after his it was confirmed he will depart his role as Technical Director at the end of the season.
Francis - who played for the Cherries for nine years and captained them into the Premier League - took on the role in the summer of 2024 after returning to the club as an assistant to Richard Hughes in 2021.
"Bournemouth has been my home for so many years, and it's incredibly difficult to say goodbye," Francis said in a statement.
"I've been proud to represent this club both on and off the pitch, and I'm grateful to everyone I've worked with along the way.
"AFC Bournemouth will always hold a very special place in my heart and I look forward to watching the continued success of the club going forwards."
Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley added: "Simon's contribution to AFC Bournemouth over the past 15 years has been extraordinary.
"From captaining the club during its historic rise to the Premier League to his impact as technical director, he has embodied the values and spirit of this football club."
President of Football Operations, Tiago Pinto, said: "Simon has been a vital part of our football operations, bringing professionalism, insight, and a deep understanding of the club's identity. His influence will have a lasting impact, and we thank him for his dedication and commitment."
Cherries fans, how do you feel about Francis' exit? Are you concerned with the summer of change that's coming at Bournemouth? What can help drive things forward?
Q&A
Why is Simon Francis leaving Bournemouth?
Simon Francis is departing his role as Technical Director at Bournemouth at the end of the season, marking a significant transition for the club.
What was Simon Francis's role at Bournemouth before leaving?
Before leaving, Simon Francis served as the Technical Director after previously being an assistant to Richard Hughes since 2021.
How long did Simon Francis play for Bournemouth?
Simon Francis played for Bournemouth for nine years, during which he captained the team into the Premier League.
