HE HAS been backed by football fans of all clubs on every step of the way of his epic challenge.

Now Saints legend Francis Benali needs the biggest support from the fans of the club closest to his heart as he strains every sinew for the finale of his incredible sporting feat.

Tomorrow Franny is set to complete the final leg of his gruelling 1,000-mile charity run to all 20 Premier League grounds, arriving at a packed St Mary’s Stadium.

For a closer look at the route Franny will take around the city - click here Francis Benali route into Southampton.pdf

Daily Echo:

Franny running through London on his way to West Ham's Upton Park

Sotonians are being urged to turn out in their droves to welcome back the veteran defender and line the roads with banners and flags to cheer him home.

Benali’s Big Challenge will climax when he enters St Mary’s, where Saints are taking on Newcastle United.

The 45-year-old is expected to enter Southampton via Moorgreen Road shortly after 2pm, pass Moorgreen Hospital at 2.20pm before heading to West End Road and on to Bitterne.

He will join Bitterne Road West at 2.40pm, cross the Northam Bridge around 2.45pm, and run along Britannia Road before he enters the stadium in front of cheering crowds. All timings are approximate.

And here is where you can stand to cheer Franny home (approximate timings):

  • Moorgreen Hospital - 2.20pm
  • Junction of West End Road and Church Hill - 2.30pm
  • Junction of West End Road and Mousehole Lane - 2.35pm
  • Junction of Bitterne Road West and Maple Road - 2.40pm
  • Bitterne Road West by Quayside Road - 2.45pm
  • Along Britannia Road to St Mary's Stadium - 2.50-3pm

Saints chairman Ralph Kreuger has vowed to join Franny for part of the final day, which will begin at Alton.

Daily Echo:

Franny was joined by fellow Saints legend Matt Le Tissier while running to QPR's Loftus Road

Franny has been running up to 50 miles a day since August 24, raising money for Cancer Research.

Those running with him include former teammate and Saints star Matthew Le Tissier.

Yesterday Benali visited five London grounds as he continued his challenge.

  •  Keep following the Daily Echo website dailyecho.co.uk for further updates as Franny heads towards the city today.

To make a text donation from your mobile phone please text “BIGR55 followed by the amount you would like to donate EG £1, £3, £5, £10” to text number 70070. For example, if you wanted to donate £10 text BIGR55 £10 to 70070.

Alternatively, visit benalisbigrun.com where you can also chart his progress.