Do AFCB need an extra right back this window?

The service that Simon Francis has put in since arriving from Charlton Athletic has been nothing short of magnificent. He is probably the first name on the team sheet every week. Yet, fans have wondered if he has been found out a little this season with some of the best wingers in the Championship. I would probably agree that he has not had it all his own way and I feel he might do better if he did not have to play every game for the club.

Simon Francis has been superb for AFCB but would more competition help him?

While all fans want a new striker for their club, I have a sneaky suspicion that Eddie Howe could well be better served by looking for an experienced right back to give Francis some cover. If he were to get injured at any point this season, AFCB would have to put a fill gap in at right back or go three at the back. I just can't see that we have much cover for Simon's position.

Francis is still getting forward and putting in some good crosses by supporting Ritchie in front of him. I also see that Francis' game has stepped up a bit since Ritchie has returned to the team. So if Eddie Howe did bring in a new right back it would not be easy for them to be guaranteed a starting place, but sharing the job could be something that would benefit AFCB. 

We saw Nico Yennaris come to the club on loan in December but he never stepped foot on the pitch. Whether that was to do with the form of Francis and the balance of the squad only Eddie Howe will know, but if it was designed to give Francis a bit of a rest it did not quite work out.

Finally, do drop in on Michael Dunne's All Departments' website today. He has former Cherry Ian Thompson as his guest and they talk at length about the day Man Utd were knocked out of the FA Cup 30 years ago by our beloved Cherries. Just visit All Departments to remember the Giant killing.