Despite finishing 15th in 2015/16, Bournemouth showed they have what it takes to compete in England's top flight.
The Cherries dazzled at times in their debut Premier League season and although there were some heavy defeats, the overall outcome is one that will be welcomed by the Dean Court hierarchy.
In racing parlance, Bournemouth will be better for the run and manager Eddie Howe will have learned some invaluable lessons over the course of his first 12 months as a top flight coach.
A season-ending knee injury to star striker Callum Wilson certainly did not help but the January signing of Benik Afobe and the development of Joshua King has provided plenty to look forward to from an attacking sense.
While they have a solid foundation to build on, Bournemouth will need to attract some star quality in the summer if they want to push away from the drop zone.
Early-season triumphs over powerhouse clubs Chelsea and Manchester United would not have gone unnoticed, and who knows, maybe there is a world-class player out there ready to make the move to the south coast and bring this loveable, fledgling club forward.
CHERRIES SNAPSHOT
POSITION:16th
WIN-DRAW-LOSS RECORD:11-9-18
POINTS:42
GOALS FOR-AGAINST:45-67
BOURNEMOUTH'S TOP 3
SCORERS: Joshua King 6, Callum Wilson 5, Matt Ritchie, Benik Afobe, Steve Cook all 4
ASSISTS: Matt Ritchie 8, Charlie Daniels, Max Gradel both 5
CLEAN SHEETS (leader): Artur Boruc 7
YELLOW CARDS: Harry After 7, Dan Gosling 6, four players all on 5
RED CARDS: Simon Francis 1
EA SPORTS Player Performance Index: Charlie Daniels 491, Simon Francis 462, Steve Cook 443
TRIBAL'S TOP BOY
TWITTER TALK
What a season thanks to all the fans for their support. Have a good summer and see you pre season
— Steve Cook (@SteveCook28) May 18, 2016
Good luck to the boys today! Gutted I can't play but what a great game to finish on what has been a great season. pic.twitter.com/qzKmKuIiOw
— Adam Smith (@AdamSmith912) May 15, 2016
Huge honour to win the award last night! A great evening/celebration of another historic season for the club! pic.twitter.com/tXHEqu81kS
— charlie daniels (@chazdaniels13) May 9, 2016
FROM THE BOSS
“The supporters have been absolutely brilliant for us this season, there have been some tough moments here, some tough fixtures, results haven't always gone our way but they have never turned against us, they have always clapped us off.
“We have maintained that positiveness between the fans and the players and that has definitely been one of our strengths this year."
- Eddie Howe, May 2016
STAT STORY
*Thanks to Opta
117 – Bournemouth have covered 117km per game in the Premier League this season, more ground than any other side. Plough.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 16, 2016
