Francis to leave Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth's first-team technical director Simon Francis will leave the club at the end of the season, ending a 15-year association with the Cherries. The former defender, who made over 300 appearances for Bournemouth after joining on loan from Charlton in 2011 and permanently in January 2012, is being linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. Francis was a key figure in Eddie Howe's squad that earned Bournemouth promotion.