FORMER Cherries hitman Brett Pitman has completed a permanent transfer to League Two side Bristol Rovers.

The forward has signed a one-year deal with an option of a further year to be extended by the club, following his exit from also relegated side Swindon Town at the end of last season.

Pitman was prolific in two spells for Cherries, hitting over 100 goals in all competitions, after the Jersey-born forward spent 2005-2011 with the first team and re-joined for 2012-15.

His goals launched Cherries into League One at the turn of the decade and then fired them into new heights with promotion to the Championship in 2013, following 19 goals in 26 league matches.

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He managed to net 11 last season despite Swindon exiting the third division and will look to secure promotion back into that league with the Gas – managed by Joey Barton – this term.

Rovers gaffer Barton commented on the acquisition of the forward, who has also played for their bitter rivals Bristol City, telling the club website: "We are delighted to welcome Brett Pitman to Rovers. He’s a player we’ve long admired as we have been used to him causing us problems when he’s played against us previously.

"Recruiting a proven goalscorer was a priority of ours this summer. Brett is a proven goalscorer in the league above and a winner by character and adds a significant level of quality and experience to our forward line.

"He will complement the exciting attacking options that we have already have and will play a big part in our quest to be successful this season."