PREMIER League legend Alan Shearer feels Cherries “can be really pleased with their season” after ending the campaign in 12th place.

Andoni Iraola’s men racked up a club-record 48 points in the top flight, despite losing the final three matches of the season.

It marked an impressive first campaign in charge for Iraola, who was rewarded with a new contract and nominated for the Premier League manager of the season award.

And speaking in his role as a pundit on BBC’s Match of the Day, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer praised Cherries’ season.

Put to him by presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker that Cherries had laid good foundations under Iraola, Shearer said: “I think they can be really pleased with their season.

“I know there was, I wouldn’t say controversy, but when Gary O’Neil left and he came in. It took time to get going.

“But I think they can be really pleased with their season.”