AFC Bournemouth have announced the signing of Ryan Fredericks on a free transfer from West Ham United.
Fredericks becomes Cherries head coach Scott Parker’s first signing ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
Parker is someone who knows Fredericks rather well, having previously played alongside the 29-year-old during their time at Fulham.
The right-back enjoyed the best spell of his career whilst at Craven Cottage, it had previously come through the youth system at Tottenham Hotspur, however, whilst he didn’t break through to make an appearance domestically, he did play over 200 minutes across 4 appearances in the UEFA Europa League.
But the majority of his first-team experience came via the well-trodden route of loan spells to Football League clubs, this included almost 40 collective appearances for Brentford, Millwall and Middlesbrough before a permanent move to Bristol City came in 2015.
He however only made 4 appearances for Bristol City before he was once again making the move back to London, this time to Fulham where he spent the next three years making 114 appearances before a move to West Ham United came in July 2018, signing a four-year contract.
The versatile right-back made over 60 Premier League appearances during this spell and has now joined the Cherries following the expiring of his contract at the London Stadium to compete with both Adam Smith and Jack Stacey for the right full-back role.
https://twitter.com/afcbournemouth/status/1539669582897635331?s=20&t=SXFqMr2RCmKbQAgi6wbXyQ
Fredericks has agreed a two-year contract at Dean Court.
AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake told afcb.co.uk…
“To be able to sign a player of Ryan’s ability and experience on a free transfer is a coup for the football club.
“I know Scott speaks very highly of his professionalism and character and he’s a talented player that will bolster the squad.
“Ryan has experience of the biggest games, playing regularly in West Ham’s Europa League run last season and has crucial Premier League experience which will be important to our squad for the upcoming campaign.”
In the building 👋 pic.twitter.com/4Fx6z957cT
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) June 22, 2022
Your say…
northstandmark wrote…
I like Stacey, but he’s stood still since signing. After a bright start, he’s not developed or kicked on and is basically still the green and erratic young full-back he was 3 years ago. He was poor last season in my humble opinion.
Having different managers and coaching staff with different preferences at that time probably wasn’t ideal for Jack’s development. Maybe we look to sell, maybe he goes out on loan? I wouldn’t want to just discard him lightly as there is a player there somewhere.
I haven’t seen Fredericks play loads, but I do know he’s experienced with a decent number of Premier League games under his belt. That will help the squad. Parker knows him, he’ll know Parker’s systems. I know he is right-sided but also has covered the left when called upon. That’s useful. It’s a free transfer, so the risk is lessened.
Fredericks may not be the most exciting or groundbreaking signing, but if he can provide a little more consistency and experience then that builds the squad.
Adam Smith will be competing for the spot, of course, we know he does a job. – Join the conversation, click here.
New chapter begins. Can’t wait to get started, thankyou to everyone for the warm welcome @afcbournemouth pic.twitter.com/d7vVEiEUQp
— Ryan Fredericks (@RyanFredericks_) June 22, 2022
