Francis struggling to take in Cherries achievements

After a season of success for Bournemouth, in which they finished in their highest ever league position of ninth, Cherries skipper Simon Francis is only just appreciating their achievements.

The 32-year-old took over captaincy duties from Tommy Elphick after he left Dean Court to go to Championship club Aston Villa last summer.

Elphick skippered Bournemouth to the Premier League – the first time they had ever reached the top flight of English football – and then to 16th in their debut season.

But Francis took over ahead of the new campaign and with a top ten finish now under their belt, the former Southend United man can reflect on a job well done.

“It’s a huge honour,” said Francis. “I probably won’t take it all in until the end of my career, or maybe this summer.

Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images

“I take things in my stride week-by-week, I’ve had some highs and lows this season but we keep fighting as individuals and as a team – and that stems from the gaffer.

“I’m delighted that he gave me the armband in the summer and it’s an honour to lead those players every week.

“We wanted to make sure that when we got the points this season to be safe we would kick on again and try to achieve a top ten finish.

“That was always our aim when we saw how tight mid-table was from about a month ago, now we’ve achieved that. Our last four games were great, unbeaten and we can take that into next season now.

“The manager has rightly said that this momentum will continue into the start of next season.”