AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth head coach Scott Parker has expressed his delight at the addition of new recruits Ryan Fredericks and Joe Rothwell.
The pair joined the Cherries ahead of the start of pre-season and have spent the past two weeks being put through their paces by Parker and his staff.
Defender Fredericks, who operates predominantly as a right-back, arrived from West Ham having spent four years in the top flight with the Hammers.
The 29-year-old played alongside Parker at Fulham in 2016/17 with Fredericks going on to earn a place in the PFA Championship team of the season and the Championship team of the season in 2017/18.
Rothwell progressed through the ranks at Manchester United and had loan spells at Blackpool and Barnsley before joining Oxford United in July 2016.
The midfield playmaker moved to Blackburn Rovers two years later and was one of the standout players in the Championship last season with three goals and ten assists in 40 appearances.
Discussing the pair, Parker told afcb.co.uk: “I’m delighted to have them in the building.
“I’ve known Ryan for a little while. I played with him at Fulham for a season and knew him as a young player at Spurs when I was playing there as well.
“I’m familiar with his qualities and he’s already shown them in the first ten days he’s been with us
“I’m really pleased to have him and he will give us competition for places.
“It was well-documented we were trying to get a deal done for Joe in January to come and try to help us.
“He’s a player I’ve admired for a long while in terms of his attributes and what he can bring.
“The next challenge for Joe is the next level and I believe he has the attributes to fulfil playing in the Premier League.
“He’s an excellent dribbler of the ball and someone who can scurry away. It’s not a dying art but it’s certainly not as common any longer in a midfield player.
“I’m really pleased to have Joe in as well and they are two players I’m excited to work with and excited to have in the squad.”
