KELCI Bowers has signed a permanent contract with Cherries, following a successful loan spell.

The defender joined the club on loan from Portsmouth for the closing stages of the 2023-24 season and helped Cherries complete an unbeaten league campaign.

Bowers, who can play at full-back or centre-back, scored four goals and provided four assists from 11 appearances.

That included a debut goal in a 3-0 win at Maidenhead United, as well as a hat-trick in the 18-0 thrashing of Selsey.

Cherries women boss Steve Cuss told afcb.co.uk: “We had Kelci with us on loan from Portsmouth for the final games of last season.

“That’s been turned into a permanent deal now.

“I think that’s a really good step for us. We were looking to add a bit more competition in that defensive area.

“A player of Kelci’s ability, with her ability to play at centre-half and full-back, gives us some really nice options.”

Bowers herself added: “I am buzzing to be back here. Last season went really well for me.

“Being here got my confidence back and going into this season, we’ve got a hard-working group of players and I think that will really push us forward.

“Every training session there is a positive vibe where we just want to work hard.

“The club is definitely going in the right direction for the women. We have aspirations and I think with the group of girls we’ve got, we will achieve them.”

Cherries are back in training ahead of their four-game pre-season campaign.

They begin against Ipswich Town at Ringwood on Sunday, July 28 (3pm), before welcoming Welsh outfit Penybont to Canford Arena on Sunday, August 4 (2.30pm).

Two games against higher league opposition are then scheduled. Portsmouth are the visitors to Ringwood on Wednesday, August 7 (7.45pm), before Exeter City, who pipped Cherries to the title last season, come to the same venue on Sunday, August 11 (2pm).

Cherries begin their Division One South West campaign away at Bristol Rovers on Sunday, August 18 (2pm).