SIMON Francis feels Mark Molesley fully deserves to be given a chance at Southend United.

Molesley was named the new Shrimpers manager yesterday.

And ex Blues defender Francis, who knows Molesley from their time together at Bournemouth, feels the 39-year-old will give everything he has to turn things around at Roots Hall.

“It’s a good appointment and I think Southend are going in a good direction with an appointment like Mark,” said Francis.

“It’s a risk because he hasn’t managed in the League but he played at that level himself so he knows what it takes.

“He’s so dedicated as well so he will put his heart and soul into everything he does.

"I wish him well too.”

Molesley led Weymouth to back to back promotions and combined that role with coaching Bournemouth’s under 23 side.

And Francis has always been impressed by Molesley’s work ethic.

“Every time I saw him he was constantly between the two jobs and that must have been so hard for him,” said Francis, who has been with Bournemouth since 2012.

“The 23s is a tough job that takes a lot of your time but then he also had to travel to Weymouth a couple of times a week and take the games there too.

“All credit to him and how well they did was a real reflection on him. “He took some players from Bournemouth on loan and made it work. “He was successful but I was a bit surprised when he was linked with the Southend job.

“It just goes to show how well he’s done but he deserves the step up.”

But Molesley was still a Bournemouth player when Francis first got to know him.

“Mark was a player when I joined the football club,” said Francis.

“He was coming to the end of his Bournemouth career but I got to know him then and he’s a great guy.

“He was a good guy to have in the changing room and could always have a bit of banter.

“He really welcomed me into the changing room and he was so dedicated.

“He always worked his socks off even when he wasn’t in the team and he’s taken that work ethic into his coaching and management.”

And Molesley was not just restricted to working with Bournemouth’s youngsters while at the Cherries.

“Mark worked with the youngsters at Bournemouth but would quite often be called over by Eddie Howe to do some coaching with the first team.

“You could tell instantly he had real passion for it and there won’t be a better mentor for him than Eddie.”

Francis made 180 appearances for the Shrimpers during his own spell at Roots Hall which ended in 2010.

But the 35-year-old still looks out for his former side.

“I still keep an eye out for Southend and Matt Harrold came down to see me at the weekend actually,” said Francis.

“We always talk about the Southend days and have a laugh.

“There were some good times there and I think it’s a club which deserves to be higher.

“In Ron Martin the club has a chairman who is very unique and likes to do things his own way.

“The facilities could be improved and I don’t know if they’re still talking about a new stadium but that would be massive for the future too.

“They deserve to be higher and I hope Mark can help them do that.”

But, just like Blues, Bournemouth will also be looking to bounce back from relegation next season.

And Francis is still unsure what the future holds for him.

“It’s been a tough year personally and for the club as well,” said the defender.

“I’ve had a couple of knee injuries which is never good at my age.

“I have to manage myself and take my time but I’m looking to get back fit.

“Talks are ongoing contract wise and I’m not sure what the situation is.

“Jason Tindall has come in now and I think there’s going to be a huge transition in the next few weeks so I’ll have to see what happens.”