The 19-year-old joined the Millers ahead of the 2021/22 season having had previous experience coming through the Swindon Town academy system.

After starting the first game on the bench, he was handed a starting berth in the second match away to Barton Rovers. From the point forward, he didn’t look back and was almost ever-present, no doubt being one of the first names on manager Eddie Odhiambo’s team sheet.

Despite the odd appearance at centre-back, it was the full-back position he made his own.

Quickly winning the acclamation of Millers fans with commanding performances and looking as adept in a defensive mode as he did in attack, he notched his first goal in January, thumping in off the underside of the crossbar against Aylesbury United and also scored the winner the following month on the road at Waltham Abbey.

His final appearance for the Millers coming back at the end of February in our last-gasp win against Biggleswade.

Odhiambo told https://www.northleighfc.co.uk: “Following the unexpected reporting of Chris Francis signing for Bournemouth - we are delighted to confirm that Chris has signed a pre-contract agreement to join from July 1st.

“His absence from our line-up has coincided with his time on trial, agreeing terms and integrating with the Championship club.

“Chris has impressed since joining us. He is a physical specimen and always does extra training to improve technically and tactically, he is humble and great in the changing room.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the person; he has a high ceiling to develop as a player and the attributes for a career in pro game. We are extremely proud to have played a part in his development. This is a great opportunity for him, one that his family should be proud of as they have provided him with a set of manners and a work ethic so impressive for a young man!”