Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe tried to put on a brave face after relegation from the Premier League by insisting the club still had a bright future.

The Cherries' five-year stay in the top flight was ended despite a 3-1 victory at Everton as Aston Villa's draw at West Ham saw Howe's side miss out on safety by just one point.

Bournemouth managed to win just two matches after February 1 – both in the final fortnight of the season – but when they came they were convincing with them strolling past an unmotivated Everton having also hammered Champions League-chasing Leicester 4-1.

"You can't go back. You just have to learn from what's happened, certainly there's a lot to reflect on.

"There is a lot to take in because it was about the season as a whole, a hugely frustrating one from my perspective as we have not hit the standard of performance we would expect from this group.

"There will be a period of reflection but it cannot be too long as the next season rolls in quickly."