CHERRIES have snapped up former Southampton midfielder Phoebe Williams, ahead of the Women’s National League season.

Williams came through the youth ranks at Saints, helping them reach the Championship, where she continued to feature for the side.

More recently, the midfielder has been playing her football for Hashtag United in the Southern Premier Division, a league above Cherries.

Last season, she won the National League Cup, coming off the bench to score the winner in a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at Kenilworth Road.

Discussing the addition of the 23-year-old, Cherries boss Steve Cuss said: “We are really pleased to be able to bring in a player of Phoebe’s quality.

“I remember her coming into the Southampton first team as a young player after coming through their system.

“She is a player we followed. She moved away while she studied for her Masters degree but coming back into the area, she was a player we wanted to bring into the football club.

“To be able to do that, I think it’s a really good marker for us, to bring a player of Phoebe’s quality to AFC Bournemouth.”

Williams herself added: “I am really happy and excited to be here. I know the club has got huge ambitions and I just want to be a part of it.

“I have met Steve and I know some of the girls here. They are all lovely. It seems like a great group and I can’t wait to get started.

“Hopefully I have learned a lot from my journey. Hopefully I can come here and implement what I’ve learned and help AFC Bournemouth get to the highest level possible that they want to get to.

“I can’t wait to get started, hit the ground running and play football every week."

Cherries’ women get their pre-season schedule underway against Ipswich Town at Ringwood on Sunday, July 28 (2pm).