Francis joins Charlton

Charlton have signed defender Simon Francis from Southend for an initial £35,000. The right-back has become Charlton's fifth signing of the summer and has put pen to paper on a two-year contract. Francis will replace Frazer Richardson who joined Southampton earlier this summer in a move which could cost the Addicks £75,000 depending on the club's future success. Manager Phil Parkinson said: "As soon as we lost Frazer, Simon was the right-back we wanted. "We've waited a long time to get this deal done. As always seems to be the case in life, sometimes you have to be patient to get the player you want. "Obviously, he comes in a little bit behind in terms of fitness because he hasn't been playing at Southend for contractual reasons, but it's a terrific signing for the club."

Source: PA