GOALKEEPER Aaron Ramsdale admitted Cherries were “devastated” after not being able to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The young shot stopper, featuring in his breakthrough campaign at Vitality Stadium, made the decision to step out and address the club’s fans after the drop was confirmed – despite Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Everton.

Aston Villa’s point at West Ham was enough for them to move on to 35 points for the season and seal 17th position, a point and a place ahead of Cherries in 18th.

The final standings meant Eddie Howe’s men were heading back to the Championship after five years at England’s elite level.

Ramsdale told afcbTV: “We almost got there but when you have to rely on other teams to help you out, it can go one of two ways and it’s gone against us today – that’s our own downfall.

“It’s a 38-game season. We’ve turned up today and turned up on a number of occasions but not for the prolonged season.

“From me and all the lads in there, we are devastated.

“Words probably aren’t coming out properly at the moment but definitely a thank you to the fans who have supported us and paid money with the season we’ve had.

“We’ll be back sooner rather than later, we’ve got a new challenge next season and we’ve just got to kick on with that now.”