Watford sign Francis

Wednesday, 12, Jul 2006 09:05

Premiership newcomers Watford have signed Damien Francis from Wigan for £1.5 million.

The midfielder has signed a three-year contract with the Hertfordshire club having spent a season with the Latics; also their first in the Premiership.

Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd spent time with Francis when he was at Norwich and he believes he will add the necessary steel to the Hornets' engine room.

"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," Boothroyd told Watford's website.

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

Francis joined Wigan at the same stage last year but lost his place in the starting eleven and he will be hoping for a fresh start at Watford.

Wigan manager Paul Jewell admitted that he didn't want to see the player go but wished him well at his new club.

"Damien's a great professional who never gave me anything less than maximum commitment on the field and off it," Jewell said.

"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, and he goes to Watford with our best wishes."

Francis is Boothroyd's fifth signing since they clinched promotion with a 3-0 win over Leeds United in the play-off final.