Southampton legend Francis Benali took to social media earlier today to announce that he would be returning the club in an ambassadorial role.
The former player, affectionately known as ‘Franny’, also previously held a coaching role at St Mary’s after his retirement, but his new job sees him return in a non-footballing role.
Benali grew up in Southampton, came through the cub’s academy ranks and went on to make 389 appearances for Southampton and spent 16 years at the club before moving on to Eastleigh to see out his playing career until 2008.
The former Saints full back has also taken part in a number of charitable activities since his retirement from professional football. His most notable achievement came in 2014 when he ran to every Premier League game in aid of Cancer Research UK. He then went a step further in 2016 and ran and cycled to every Premier League and Championship ground. He has also been working with the Saints Foundation, a charity associated with Southampton
❤️
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) November 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/lucasanya/status/1197159425800364034
A perfect fit and well deserved. Someone who has the saints running through his veins and a great figurehead for the club(not to mention an amazing athlete and charity fundraiser)
— John Ford (@johnford1801) November 20, 2019
Well Done Franny, richly deserved
— Martin Moore (@MartinMoore121) November 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/WessexSaint/status/1197145602141949952
https://twitter.com/EditSouthampton/status/1197145987023855616
