EXPERIENCED campaigner Simon Francis believes Cherries will more than hold their own in the Championship – providing they can adapt to the physical demands.

Dependable right-back Francis played a key role in Cherries’ promotion, featuring in all but one of the club’s 39 league and cup games under boss Eddie Howe.

The Nottingham-born 28-year-old is relishing a return to the second flight having made 89 appearances in the Championship for three of his former clubs – Bradford, Sheffield United and Southend.

And following the publication this week of the fixtures for the new campaign, Francis has been handed an opportunity to face another of his former clubs with Cherries set to host Charlton Athletic on the opening day at Dean Court.

Francis told the Daily Echo: “I really feel the Championship is where this club belongs. With the structure and finances behind us, the club is going places and I think it will be an exciting season.

“I have played at that level and it will be tough. I would say it will be physically tough more than anything. I think we have got ability in abundance in our squad but the step up physically is going to be a difference.

“There are a lot of bigger and stronger players in the Championship than there are in League One. If we can deal with that, we won’t have a problem because we passed the ball as well as anyone in League One and can do the same in the one above.”

Francis, who signed permanently for Cherries from Charlton in January 2012, last played in the Championship in 2007 when he tasted relegation with Southend.

“It would be nice to prove I can play there,” said Francis. “I believe I can and I have in the past. It has taken me a while to get back there and I am champing at the bit to go again next season.”

Francis, a frontrunner for the supporters’ player-of-the-year award, is aware boss Howe is likely to bolster his resources having had little competition for the right-back berth last season.

“I suppose it was a good thing,” added Francis. “The manager came in, saw me play a couple of games and kept faith in me. He didn’t bring in anyone as a right-back but we have got players who can play there. I would like to think I will be in his mind to be starting in the Championship.

“The club is in the best place it has been for many years and it is a great time to be in the Championship. I don’t think we will be looking to just stay there and will be looking to prove a few people wrong. I am sure the doubters will be saying we are odds-on to be relegated.

“We will be working extra hard in pre-season because we know how hard it is going to perform in the Championship after coming up from League One.”

Howe’s squad will report back for pre-season training tomorrow with fitness assessments the first thing on the agenda.