CHERRIES women have signed Erin Bloomfield from Southampton, as Shannon Albuery departs the club.

Striker Bloomfield began her career at Yeovil Town, making her top-flight debut in the Women’s Super League as a 16-year-old, against Arsenal.

Now 21, Bloomfield has had two prolific spells with Southampton Women’s FC and a three-year stint studying in the United States. During that time, she played for Troy University.

Discussing the move, Bloomfield told Cherries’ website: “The team have been really successful this year and I’ve grown up around Bournemouth, so to have this opportunity was really exciting.

“I got a message from (manager) Steve (Cuss) and had a good chat. The decision was made quite quickly.

“I think we have a lot of the same values, one being honesty. He’s made me feel very welcome.”

Describing her playing style, Bloomfield said: “I show a lot of passion on the pitch and I like to be a bit of a poacher.

“I’m an old-fashioned number nine.”

Meanwhile, striker Albuery has left Cherries, for the second time.

This season the former Portsmouth player has made eight appearances, including in front of a record crowd at Vitality Stadium. Her only goal came in the 13-0 win at Selsey on the opening day of the campaign.