AFC Bournemouth captain Simon Francis has confessed that the squad did find things hard during their second season in the Premier League.
The Cherries ended their maiden season in the top flight of English football in 16th place on 42 points.
Their 11 victories and 45 goals (67 conceded), enough to finish 5 points above the relegation zone, despite ending the campaign with a disappointing run of results.
During their second season, AFC Bournemouth finished in 9th place with 46 points.
12 victories and 55 goals (67 conceded), showed an improvement in all departments.
Francis told the Daily Echo…
‘…It was hard at times. I believe in the whole second-season syndrome thing now. Before, I always thought it was nonsense.
‘We showed a real fearlessness in our first Premier League season and a lot of confidence. Last season, a lot of teams sussed us out and knew how we were going to play so we had to change a lot of things and had to work hard to break teams down.
‘The manager really does instil the belief, confidence and hunger in the lads and that is huge for us.
‘Luckily for us, we were away from the relegation zone for the majority of last season and got some good results to propel ourselves up the league.’
Your Say…
Afcbs Little Dan wrote…
Ins & Outs?
So with the confirmation of Defoe today added alongside Begovic and it looking increasingly likely that they will be joined by Nathan Ake & Connor Mahoney do we think that will be business done in terms of incomings or would you like to see more? Personally think we could stil do with RB cover and a possible CB to add but not so sure with Mings, Franno & Ake all able to be used across the back.
In terms of outgoings I would like to see something similar to this
Ryan Allsop
Lewis Grabban
Adam Federici
Marc Wilson
Rhoys Wiggins all sold and moved on perm
Emerson Hyndman
Bailey Cargill
Matt Butcher
Sam Surridge all out on loan till Jan
What are your thoughts on this and who else would you add to the possibility of in and out going? – Join the conversation here.
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