CHERRIES have today completed the signing of former Carlisle, Leeds and Reading defender Ian Harte on a one-year deal.

The Republic of Ireland international, who turns 36 in August, was available on a free transfer following his release by Reading after their relegation to the Championship.

Harte made 16 appearances in the Premier League after helping the Royals to promotion in 2012 and has been named four times in the PFA team of the season.

He also spent nine years with Leeds and played more than 300 times for the Yorkshire club, including 213 games in the top flight and during their UEFA Cup and Champions League campaigns.

Harte said: “I met Eddie Howe on Saturday and just having an hour’s chat with him pretty much convinced me to sign. He is a good manager and a young manager and, like me, he is hungry. We both want to push on and do the best we can.

“This club has a great deal of ambition and it was a great achievement to get promotion I am just looking forward to the challenge ahead. The club is going places and I just wanted to be a part of it.”

Cherries boss Eddie Howe said: “I am delighted to get someone with Ian’s experience and technical quality. We are looking forward to working with him and I am sure he will be a welcome addition to the squad.

“He impressed me when I used to watch him for Leeds. He is an excellent crosser and passer of the ball and his set-piece delivery is an added bonus. He has got a lot of the qualities we look for in a player. He has played in the Premier League and he will help our young squad. It was important we filled the position with someone who knows the game.”