Damien Francis Leaves for Watford/Ellington

By Alan G
July 12 2006

Latics midfielder Damien Francis has joined Premiership newcomers Watford on a three year deal for a fee that could eventually rise to £1.5 million.

After previous spells with Wimbledon and Norwich, Francis spent a year a Latics, netting one goal and takes to Watford what Watford manager Andy Boothroyd describes as "strength to our central midfield area".

 

Boothroyd added: "Things have not happened for him at Wigan and that sometimes happens at some clubs, but I think we're right for him and he's right for us.

 

"He's a £2m player, and the fact we've got him for the money we have is a real coup for us."

 

Latics boss Paul Jewell appeared reluctant at the finalisation of the deal saying: "We didn't want to sell him because we do not have the biggest squad here, but I respect him too much as a person to stand in his way.

 

"Damien’s a great pro who never gave me anything less than maximum commitment on the field and off it. He goes with our best Wishes."

 

The Duke

 

Meanwhile, Jewell has stated he has given up the hope of re-signing striker Nathan Ellington from West Bromwich Albion.

 

"I want to have four strikers, we've got David Connolly, Emile Heskey, Henri Camara so I want to bring another in”. Said Jewell.

 

"We've asked about Nathan but West Brom are reluctant to sell.

 

"I don't want to waste time and energy on something that's not going to happen. West Brom just don't want to sell their players, that's their prerogative,"