DEPARTING Andrew Surman hailed his time at Cherries as “an amazing journey”, adding: “I hold Bournemouth so close to my heart.”
The midfielder’s exit from the club was confirmed this week, after his contract was not renewed.
Surman, who turns 34 today, spent more than seven years at Cherries in total, including a productive loan stint back in 2005, and leaves having netted 11 goals in 226 appearances.
During that time he was named players’ player of the season as he helped Cherries to promotion from the Championship in 2014-15 and then played in every game of the first Premier League season of the club’s history.
Surman’s game-time was more limited last season, featuring just five times in the top-flight as Cherries slipped back into the second tier.
Discussing the events of the past few weeks, Surman told the Daily Echo: “It’s been a whirlwind really.
“Although it looked like it (relegation) might happen, until it actually did it was quite a shock really.
“And then obviously with the manager leaving as well, I think that was the biggest shock of all. It’s been a pretty rocky few weeks.”
He continued: “You never quite know (what will happen) when you haven’t really played all season and a relegation is looming.
“Obviously you sense possibly that things might be changing and when the manager left and on the back of relegation and every club in all the leagues’ financial situation, you do wonder if that (getting released) is going to happen.
“I half expected it, just because of the way the season had gone so it wasn’t too much of a surprise to me, as disappointing as it actually was but it’s one of those things.
“That’s football and that’s what happens. It happens at every football club every season and it’s no different at Bournemouth and no different for me really.”
But having found out the news a couple of weeks ago that he would no longer be playing for the club, Surman has had some time to reflect on his stay in Dorset. “It is really disappointing obviously when you find out,” he said.
“But that’s because I’ve had so many amazing memories at the club, the people that I’ve met and worked with. It’s been an amazing journey and it’s been a bigger journey than what I’ve been on.
“I just joined in the Championship, but it had already been started before I even joined. There were so many highs, a few lows obviously, but there were so many highs while I was there and you never think it’s going to end.
“But unfortunately football is just that industry. Players come, players go and squads are evolving all the time, especially at the top level and that’s that. I’ve got no hard feelings towards Bournemouth, I had an amazing time there and unfortunately that’s just the way football goes.
“But obviously it is disappointing because I hold Bournemouth so close to my heart with all the good times that we’ve had but that’s just football. I move on and obviously I wish Bournemouth all the best.”
What comes next for Surman is yet to be decided.
The former Southampton man is keen to keep on playing, but admits it is a tough time to be a free agent. However with the transfer window staying open until October this year, he is remaining optimistic of an opportunity somewhere.
“It’s just a waiting game really,” he said.
“I think clubs are obviously trying to sort themselves out financially and work out who their squads are going to be. There is talk of salary caps and whatnot so it’s just waiting really.
“It’s a long window. It’s a completely different window to any other window because obviously what’s happened with COVID and the lockdown and things like that so I’m positive about it.
“I’m just biding my time and waiting for the right offer to come along and what’s best for me and my family.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel