EDDIE Howe insists his side will head into the 2019-20 season “very positive” after their fourth top-flight campaign came to an end.

Cherries missed out on a club-record Premier League points tally following the 5-3 final-day defeat at Crystal Palace, finishing in 14th place. However, they delivered their highest amount of league wins and biggest goals tally in a season since promotion from the Championship.

Speaking at the club’s awards evening, Howe said: “I think it is very much a season of progression. I don’t think we can over-analyse ourselves too much negatively. I think we have to be very positive going into next season.

“A lot of players have got some really good experiences this year.

“I hope next year we can kick on and be a little bit more consistent in our performances. I know that is what we all want and a lot of hard work, hopefully, will get us there.”

Asked how the Dorset club can reach the next level, Howe said: “By working harder, by working smarter, by adapting and making changes – we have to progress everything. If you stand still in the Premier League, you go backwards. We have to continue to innovate.”