AFC Bournemouth
Simon Francis reflects on a remarkable season and his emotions at leading AFC Bournemouth to a ninth place Premier League finish.
After taking the role of Cherries captain from Tommy Elphick in the summer, Francis' first season with the armband ended with a club-record finish.
"It's a huge honour," said Francis of the achievement. "I probably won't take it all in until the end of my career, or maybe this summer.
"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."
The record high was confirmed on Sunday afternoon as the Cherries secured a draw at outgoing champions Leicester City, and Francis says his squad had the desire to finish stronger than in their debut Premier League campaign.
"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," he said.
"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."
The captain also paid tribute to the fans, who he says have supported the club throughout the ups and downs of a long campaign and spurred the players to keep going.
"The fans are what it's all about," he explained. "I've always said when I write the programme notes that they're up there with the best that I've seen, especially at away games.
"They come out in their thousands and really get behind the lads - and that's fantastic.
"At home it's slightly different as we know what to expect with the size of the stadium. Away from home at the big grounds we can always hear them.
"Thinking of games like Newcastle away last season and Sunderland this season. They're right up in the top tiers, far away, but you can still hear them shouting and getting behind you.
"They probably don't realise how much of an effect that has on the players, especially away from home. They're a huge credit to the club and we're delighted to have them with us."
This momentum will continue into the start of next season.
