#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth announce signing of Darren Randolph from West Ham #AFCB

The goalkeeper becomes the second new face since Bill Foley led a takeover of Cherries. Born in Bray, the custodian joins on an 18 month deal. The 35-year-old arrives at the Vitality Stadium as back-up to first-choice Neto and his understudy Mark Travers. Youngster Cameron Plain acted as deputy goalkeeper to Travers during the absence of Neto due to injury, highlighting the need to add an experienced third-choice. Randolph last played a competitive game at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, against West Brom in the Premier League. A popular character in the dressing room, Travers and Randolph have worked together before, with the pair involved in numerous international squads for Ireland together. Capped 50 times by Ireland, Randolph played all four games of his countries’ Euro 2016 campaign, their last appearance at a major finals. Since making his Premier League debut for Charlton in the 2006/07 season, Randolph has made 34 appearances in the top-flight, with 200 further games in the Championship. Speaking following the move, Randolph told afcb.co.uk: “I’m very happy to be here and I’m ready to get started. I know three lads here and that’s helped. “They have told me good things about the club and the area, as have other people who’ve been here in the past, so that definitely helped in my decision. “I’ve had to fight for a place with other goalkeepers at most clubs I’ve been at and that’s the nature of the business. “It’s our own little group within the group and I’ve always been close in every goalkeepers’ union I’ve been in. “Ultimately, we’re here to push each other and whoever has the shirt then hopefully it’s going to work in their favour and make everybody else perform to the best of their ability.” AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake added: “We are delighted to add to our team of goalkeepers with a player of Darren’s quality and pedigree. “His wealth of experience, both with his previous clubs and his country, will be a great benefit to our squad and especially to our younger goalkeepers. “Darren has played in the top flight in England and Scotland, he has Champions League experience and he has won numerous caps for Republic of Ireland. We are looking forward to working with him.”