FORMER Welsh international Helen Bleazard has joined Cherries as a player-coach ahead of the new campaign.

The 32-year-old has played in the higher echelons of the women’s game, turning out for Bristol City in the Champions League and reaching the FA Cup final in 2011.

She has also represented women’s giants Chelsea, as well as playing in the south for Yeovil, her local side.

Most recently she played for Plymouth Argyle, who feature in the tier above Cherries.

Alongside her playing role, Bleazard will also take up a coaching role within Cherries’ Community Sports Trust.

She featured in the opening day win over St Austell, scoring one of Cherries’ three goals in a 3-0 win.

Boss Steve Cuss told Cherries’ website: “We’re absolutely thrilled to bring Helen to the club and she’s a player with real quality.

“You just have to look at her career so far to see the calibre of player she is and it’s really exciting to have her as part of the team at AFC Bournemouth.

“Off the pitch, I think her playing experience will be really beneficial on the coaching front and it’ll be great to work with her over the course of the season.”