DEFENDER Simon Francis expressed his delight after signing a one-year contract extension with Cherries.

The club captain, who had 12 months left on his previous deal, agreed fresh terms to keep him at Vitality Stadium at least until the summer of 2020.

He told the club website: “I’m delighted to sign a new deal and am really looking forward to the next two years.

“The most important thing was to retain our Premier League status for another year and then once that was achieved it was a chance to sit down and discuss things.

“It all happened fairly quickly because negotiations don’t take too long when a player wants to stay at the club.

“The club have been great with me ever since I arrived. I feel I’ve performed to my best over the past seven years and feel very proud to be part of such a successful squad.”

Francis has appeared 286 times for Cherries in all competitions since arriving from Charlton in November 2011, initially on loan.

Cherries chief executive Neill Blake added: “Simon is an integral part of the club, both on and off the pitch.

“He has proved himself more than capable of making the step up each time we have gained promotion and this contract extension is fully deserved.

“As well as being an excellent player, Simon is also an outstanding professional and a leader in the dressing room.

“He sets a fantastic example to those around him and that is especially important for the younger players at the club.”