AFC Bournemouth have completed the signing of vastly-experienced goalkeeper Darren Randolph from West Ham United.
Randolph, who has penned an 18-month contract at Vitality Stadium, becomes the Cherries’ second addition of the January transfer window, following the arrival of Dango Ouattara from FC Lorient.
Capped 50 times by Republic of Ireland, Bray-born Randolph will provide competition for Neto, fellow countryman Mark Travers and Cameron Plain.
The 35-year-old has played in the top flight for Charlton Athletic and West Ham as well as enjoying a fruitful three-year spell in the Scottish Premiership with Motherwell.
Randolph has made more than 500 appearances for club and country since crossing the Irish Sea to start his professional career with Charlton in 2003.
He 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.”
As well as training with Travers on international duty, Randolph played alongside Ryan Fredericks at West Ham and Marcus Tavernier at Middlesbrough.
Named in the PFA Championship team of the season and Boro player of the year in 2018/19, Randolph was ever present when Republic of Ireland reached the last 16 of Euro 2016, the Boys in Green beaten 2-1 by eventual runners-up France.
AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake told the club website: “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.”
