Local lad Matt Tubbs has rejoined AFC Bournemouth, with the Cherries paying a club record fee of £800,000.
The 27-year-old striker played for the Cherries between 2008 and 2010 before being loaned to Salisbury City. He then joined Crawley Town. Tubbs scored 40 goals in 47 appearances in his first season at Crawley, with a return of 18 goals in 31 appearances in his second. Tubbs tweeted: “18 months and so many ups and very few downs! Once again thank you.
“Would like to send a massive thank you to all involved with Crawley Town from the players, staff and all the fans! It’s been fantastic.”
Bournemouth signed Tubbs on a three and a half year contract and he will wear the number 25 shirt.
On Saturday Bournemouth surrendered their unbeaten away record, going down 1-0 at Chesterfield. “It’s a fantastic signing for us to sign a player in great form,” said Cherries boss Lee Bradbury in an interview with BBC Radio Solent.
Byron Napper, a 19 year old Crawley Town midfielder, sent his best wishes to his former teammate via his twitter account: “Wishing Matt Tubbs all the best at Bournemouth hope all goes well for you, going to miss ya pal. #hero”
In the transfer period AFC Bournemouth signed Donald Mcdermott a 23-year-old striker who previously played for Huddersfield Town. Dan Thomas was recalled by manager Lee Bradbury from his loan spell at AFC Totton in Southampton. 28-year-old striker Mitcheal Symes will not play for the Cherries again this season after he was loaned to Rochdale on deadline day.
Main image courtesy of Richard Croft.
