GOALKEEPER Dan Thomas has signed for Havant & Waterlooville following his release from Cherries, the Football Conference has confirmed.

The Conference South outfit this morning made the move, shortly after Cherries had announced their decision to allow the young stopper to leave Seward Stadium.

Cherries manager Lee Bradbury had earlier said his decision to release Thomas had been in the best interests of the local lad.

Thomas graduated from the Dean Court youth ranks before making four first-team appearances as he provided back-up for the club’s senior keepers.

But with Darryl Flahavan and Shwan Jalal both ahead of him in the Cherries pecking order, the 20-year-old had spent time out on loan with both Welling and AFC Totton this season.

Cherries boss Bradbury told the club website: “It wasn’t an easy decision but I felt it was in his best interests and I wish him all the best for the future.

“This gives him the chance to go and find a new club and get some first-team football. There are a couple of clubs interested in taking him on.

“He has been unfortunate that he has found himself behind two experienced goalkeepers, but I feel he can further his career now.”