CHERRIES boss Kevin Bond has hailed new recruit Jo Tessem as a "quality" addition.

Bond yesterday finalised a deal to keep the former Saints star and Norwegian international at Dean Court until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.

Tessem has agreed terms for a permanent contract, as revealed exclusively on the Echo website yesterday, after originally linking up with Bond's squad in training last month.

The 35-year-old, who worked with Bond during his time at St Mary's, recently returned to the area following the end of the Norwegian Premier League season where he had been playing for former club Lyn Oslo.

Capped nine times by his country, Tessem made more than 100 appearances in the Premier League for Saints and is expected to be named in the Cherries squad for Saturday's trip to League One rivals Cheltenham.

Bond said: "I'm delighted because he's a quality player and can operate in a number of different positions. We've lost a couple of players in the middle of the park with Jem Karacan and Jean Christophe going back so we're definitely short in that department and Jo has got bags of experience.

"He's a good pro, he doesn't miss anything on the ball and also uses the ball well.

"There's a good chance he'll be involved in the 16 at Cheltenham but it's too early to say whether or not he will start.

"He has come back to live in England and has made his home on the outskirts of Southampton so it's an ideal situation for him and, hopefully, it will turn out to be ideal for us as well.

"We will give him the opportunity and if he enjoys it and does well, he could stay for longer. He's in good nick, he's lean and ready to go."

Tessem completed negotiations with Bond and members of the Cherries board during yesterday's reserve game with Forest Green Rovers at Dean Court.

Bond fielded a strong starting line-up, which included Yeovil midfielder Stephen Maher, as Cherries came from behind to run out convincing 4-1 winners thanks to goals from Brett Pitman (two), Lee Bradbury and Jo Kuffour.

Meanwhile, defender Ryan Garry also yesterday agreed terms on a new contract until the end of the season.