Artur Boruc is Cherries first Premier League signing

It had been hoed that Artur Boruc would sign a permanent contract for AFCB, but nothing is ever certain until pen is put to paper. On hearing the news this morning that Artur was to be the first signing for AFCB in the Premier League I was extremely pleased. Artur has shown his quality since being with Bournemouth on loan and while he quietly goes about his business his like for being with the Cherries did surface towards the end of last season when he was asked very directly on the Victory Parade bus if he would like to stay.

Artur Boruc and Matt Ritchie on the pitch at Dean Court.

As a shot stopper and catcher of the ball I don't think there are many better goalkeepers that Eddie Howe could bring in. As long as Artur works on his distribution I am sure he will fit in extremely well and will really help the team with his experience of going to Premier League grounds. The length of contract is just one year with an option for a further 12 months, which is quite short compared to most of the other Bournemouth players. That may well be to protect the club and Artur in case they are unable to keep their Premier League status next season. Importantly, Artur was also released by Southampton last week and so will ahve signed as a free agent.

Considering that Artur played most of the games last season for AFCB (39 in all) it will be great to have that consistency of keeping Artur behind the back four.  While Artur has come from near rivals Southampton there has been much respect and admiration for what he has helped the Cherries achieve last season and I expect that he will be given a very warm reception when he next runs out for AFCB in pre-season. Artur's signing already gives me confidence that AFCB can get clean sheets in the Premier League.

Breaking News - two keepers come along at once: Get Reading is reporting that AFCB have signed 30-year-old Aussie keeper Adam Federici of Reading FC on a three year contract subject to a medical.