Simon Francis tells talkSPORT Bournemouth are targeting top-eight finish in the Premier League this season – LISTEN

Bournemouth are targeting another record-breaking Premier League season, captain Simon Francis has told talkSPORT.

Eddie Howe's men finished in ninth place in 2016/17 - the south-coast side's highest league position in their 118-year history.

It was a remarkable achievement for a club which almost dropped out of the Football League less than a decade ago, but Francis insists it can get even better for Bournemouth.

The Cherries have made some impressive signings this summer, including Asmir Begovic, Nathan Ake and Jermain Defoe, and Francis believes the squad is good enough to finish in the top eight.

Speaking exclusively to Jim White on talkSPORT, he said: "Eddie always wants to improve, he always wants to better himself and better us as a team.

"I think he has made a statement with the signings he has made. There have been some big signings coming in.

"We are always looking to improve. We had a great finish last season - that was fantastic for the club. We improved on our first season in the Premier League. That was always the aim last season and we want to do it again this season.

"That is the mind-set we have as a squad and as a club. Over the five, six years I have been here that has always been the belief we have had in the group and we want to push on again next season. 

"If we have a successful season again, there is no reason why we can't break into the top eight. I really do believe that.

"In and around mid-table it is almost like a mini-table, where if you pick up a run of games and get some points together you really can climb that league. We did that last season, went on a great run, and it really elevated us up the table. We are hoping for the same again this season."