Charlton Athletic made big AFC Bournemouth decision in 2011 - it paid off for both clubs | OneFootball

AFC Bournemouth signed a defender from Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2011.

Charlton Athletic made a big decision to sell defender Simon Francis to divisional rivals AFC Bournemouth in 2011.

The Addicks had just endured a difficult campaign in League One, finishing 13th in the table, during what had been Francis' debut season at The Valley following his move from Southend United in 2010.

Chris Powell had been appointed Charlton manager midway through that season in January 2011, meaning that the summer was his first full transfer window in charge.

He oversaw a huge turnover of players during those few months, with the likes of Yann Kermorgant, Dale Stephens and Ben Hamer brought into the club, while players including Carl Jenkinson, Rob Elliot and Jose Semedo moved on.

AFC Bournemouth came in with offers for Simon Francis, and the Cherries met Charlton's asking price in July 2011, as per Sky Sports, before a deal was eventually completed in November later that year.

The defender initially joined on loan with a view to the deal becoming permanent, and he went on to be part of a memorable journey with his new club, while Charlton also benefitted from his departure.

Charlton thrived after Francis' departure

Francis had been part of a disappointing Charlton side during the 2010/11 campaign, and the Addicks' fortunes greatly improved following his move to Bournemouth.

Young right-back Chris Solly only started nine games during that season, often serving as an understudy to Francis, but he became a key player in that position under Powell, making 44 League One appearances as Charlton won the title during the 2011/12 campaign.

Powell also brought in goalkeeper Ben Hamer from Reading, centre-backs Matt Taylor and Michael Morrison from Exeter City and Sheffield Wednesday respectively, and left-back Rhoys Wiggins from Bournemouth in the summer of 2011, who made up the rest of Charlton's outstanding back five.

Charlton only conceded 36 goals in 46 League One games during their title-winning season, so it would certainly be fair to say that they did not miss the presence of Simon Francis after his departure.

Francis made a name for himself at Bournemouth

While Charlton experienced success immediately after Francis left the club to join Bournemouth, he only had to wait another season before he also got to experience promotion to the Championship.

Francis registered eight league assists in three consecutive seasons as the Cherries won automatic promotion from League One, finished 10th in the second tier, and then won the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League in 2015.

Ironically, Bournemouth won the Championship title with a 0-3 win at The Valley on the final day of the season, so Francis had the last laugh after the Addicks had decided to sell him four years earlier.

He went on to make 136 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth, captaining the club in the top flight, and now works as an assistant first-team technical director as the Cherries continue to make progress at the top level.

There is no doubt that Francis' move to the south coast paid off for him as he was part of a huge success story at Bournemouth, while Charlton's decision to let him go also benefitted them as they won a memorable league title.

As transfers go, everyone was a winner.