Francis Benali

Benali found himself on the fringes of the first-team squad at Southampton in the 2000-01 campaign following the emergence of Wayne Bridge and he made just one early season appearance, coming on from the subs' bench in the closing stages of the 5-0 defeat at Manchester United. With no further opportunities on the horizon he moved on loan to Nottingham Forest where he soon won a regular place in the team. He made 15 appearances during a three-month loan period at the City Ground and impressed with some solid defensive displays. He returned to the Dell and featured from the bench again on a further three occasions in the closing matches. A left-sided central defender who can feature either at full back or in a more central role he has been a loyal servant to the Saints and a model professional for the club.