Symes heads for Bournemouth

BOURNEMOUTH have completed the signing of Accrington Stanley hitman Michael Symes, after the club’s top scorer snubbed the chance of a fresh two-year-deal at the Crown Ground.

Stanley chief John Coleman had hoped that Symes would pen a new contract with the club, but the offer was always on a knife edge with many higher placed teams circling.

The former Shrewsbury Town man scored 18 times in 44 appearances last season, and drew admirers such as Preston North End manager Darren Ferguson, Derby County’s Nigel Clough and Ipswich’s Roy Keane, who are all said to have watched Symes in action.

For the Great Yarmouth born striker, a move to the newly promoted League One side wouldn’t be like moving to new surroundings, as the 26-year-old enjoyed a brief loan spell with The Cherries in the 2008/09 season.

Vital Accrington would like to wish Michael the best of luck with the League One newboys.