Experienced shot-stopper Darren Randolph arrived at Vitality Stadium in the 2023 January transfer window.
Born in Bray, Randolph is the son of former basketball player Ed Randolph, who was one of the first American players in the Irish Basketball League.
He played school football with Ardmore Rovers before joining Charlton Athletic in 2003.
As a youngster, he spent time on loan with Welling United, Accrington Stanley and Gillingham.
His debut for Charlton came in the final game of the 2006/07 season, playing well in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
Following his initial breakthrough, Randolph spent time on loan with Bury and Hereford United to gain further experience.
He played 14 times in all competitions in Charlton’s 2009/10 League One season but, having been limited to 20 games in six seasons, Randolph completed a permanent transfer to Scottish side Motherwell at the end of the season.
At Fir Park, Randolph became an ever-present, making his Europa League debut and reaching the 2011 Scottish Cup final.
He was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year for 2011/12 and 2012/13 and featured in the Champions League for the club.
After 136 games in three seasons, Randolph returned to England with Birmingham City, playing 92 times.
He joined Premier League West Ham United in 2015, making 15 appearances in all competitions in 2015/16.
Randolph established himself as first-choice in 2016/17 and turned out 27 times.
He left for Middlesbrough in July 2017 and played 112 times in two-and-a-half seasons, earning a place in the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Season in 2018/19 as Boro finished in seventh position.
The goalkeeper returned to London Stadium in January 2020 and played a pivotal role in supporting the likes of Lukasz Fabianski and Alphonse Areola.
With 50 caps for the Republic of Ireland, Randolph is an experienced international goalkeeper.
He made his full international debut in a friendly against Oman in September 2012, coming on as a substitute in a 4–1 win.
He famously provided the assist to former Cherries loan signing Shane Long in the 2016 European Championship qualifying match with Germany.
After securing qualification, Randolph played in every game in the tournament, eventually being defeated by France in the knockout stages. He retired from international duty in 2020.
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