The former Sheffield United defender 'leading' AFC Bournemouth's battle against relegation

Francis, who made 15 appearances for United before joining Southend nearly a decade and a half ago, has impressed alongside Nathan Ake during the visitors wins over Brighton and Hove Albion and Aston Villa.

With those results helping to lift Eddie Howe’s side two points clear of the relegation zone, Ake said: “I think everyone knows, in the past two games, he (Francis) has been fantastic.

“He has been everywhere, especially on Saturday (against Villa), clearing so many balls and things like that with amazing tackles.

“He has been a leader, 100 per cent. Everyone knows he is a man of the club.”

Veteran Francis, aged 34, has had a career similar to some of those in the Blades squad. He moved to the south coast in 2011; helping Bournemouth climb out of League One and into the top-flight, where he has since made over 120 starts.

In an interview with The Star in 2014, which looked back in his time in South Yorkshire, Francis admitted he had blown his chance with United after being seduced by the trappings of fame after joining them from Bradford City 10 years earlier.

“I look back on what happened when I was at Sheffield United with quite a lot of regret,” Francis said. “I was a young lad at the time and thought, because I’d joined such a big club, I’d pretty much made it.

“Because of that I relaxed a bit and didn’t look after myself as I should.”

Bournemouth have prepared for this weekend’s match in 16th place, while United are sixth.

The two sides drew 1-1 at The Vitality Stadium on the opening weekend of the campaign, as United made their long awaited return to the top-flight following a 12 year absence.

“You can see in moments like Saturday we need Simon,” Ake told the Bournemouth Daily Echo. “He’s there, standing up. I think everyone can see that.”