AFCB

First Team

Billing, Kelly and Solanke named in Team of the Season

AFC Bournemouth’s Philip Billing, Lloyd Kelly and Dominic Solanke have all been named in the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Season for 2021/22.

The trio have been recognised for the outstanding performances put in this season as the Cherries compete for an automatic promotion spot.

They were celebrated at the EFL Awards Evening, which took place in London on Sunday evening. 

Billing is rewarded for the brilliant impact he's had as an attacking midfielder this season. The 25-year-old has scored eight goals and set up seven in 36 league appearances, his best return in a single season in his career.

Meanwhile, Kelly has impressed in Scott Parker's team this season, being named club captain on a permanent basis in January. The 23-year-old has shown strong leadership in the division's best defence, the Cherries having conceded just 36 goals and keeping 18 clean sheets. 

Finally, Solanke's 27 goals and six assists mean that he's one of the most feared strikers in the Championship. The 24-year-old hasn't missed a single league game so far this season and has received praise for his off-the-ball work. 

The striker was also nominated for the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season award, alongside Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic and Harry Wilson.

The full Championship Team of the Season: Lee Nicholls (Huddersfield Town), Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham), Lloyd Kelly (AFC Bournemouth), Joe Worrall (Nottingham Forest), Djed Spence (Nottingham Forest, on loan from Middlesbrough), Ryan Yates (Nottingham Forest), Philip Billing (AFC Bournemouth), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Dominic Solanke (AFC Bournemouth), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham). 

Everyone connected with AFC Bournemouth extends their congratulations to the Cherries trio for their achievement.