All change for AFC Bournemouth women ahead of 2026-27 opener

Cherries have been busy throughout the summer, making 10 signings with the same number heading in the opposite direction.

Player of the season Jessica Hennessey left to join WSL2 outfit Burnley, whilst other departures included established names such as Erin Foley, Amber Treweek, Kenni Thompson, Gemma McGuinness, Molly Barron-Clark, as well as Zoe Barratt, Kelci Bowers, Phoebe Williams, and Sophie Quirk.

Goalkeeper Katie Scadding, skipper Abby Jones, Charlotte Harris, Anya Lucas, Sophia Leonard, Wales international Elena Cole, Jenna Markham, Georgia Wilson, Freya Meadows Tuson and Katie James all signed new deals to remain Cherries for the 2026-27 campaign - but left Bournemouth with just 10 players in the squad.

Fans were concerned with both the quality and quantity of exits, but early fears have been placated by some strong signings.

Tilly Wilkes went in the opposite direction to Hennessey, swapping Burnley for the south coast. Ella Stowell arrives to provide competition for the number one shirt, having spent time with Bristol City and Plymouth.

Cherries moved quickly to secure the signing of talented youngster Issy Watts from WSL 2 neighbours Southampton in June, with Bournemouth also signing Kyra Robertson from the same division after her release from Ipswich Town.

Tia Young was another player poached from a south coast rival, the winger picked up from Portsmouth, whilst fellow attacker Clarabella Hall was signed from Cheltenham Town.

Real Bedford duo Issy Bryant and Scarlett Williams were signed, strengthening either end of the pitch - Bryant a striker and Williams a defender.

Creative midfielder Tamara Wilcock was drafted in from last season’s promotion rivals Plymouth Argyle, while Caitlin Smith was acquired to bolster the defence.

On top of the player movement, Cherries’ home ground has also relocated. Ringwood Town’s Macra Community Stadium has been swapped for Weymouth’s Bob Lucas Stadium, a move from Hampshire to the other side of Dorset - grounds 42 miles apart.

Cherries hope that the Bob Lucas Stadium will provide stability as they attempt to earn promotion to the second tier for the first time. It is understood that the Macra Community Stadium would not have met ground grading requirements for the WSL 2, and as such, Cherries have pre-emptively moved west.

The club will likely still host a handful of games at Dean Court, but face a difficult task navigating the stadium expansion and the men’s European commitments.

It should not be forgotten that last season’s campaign was preceded by uncertainty. Long-serving manager Steve Cuss stepped down, with Helen Bleazard appointed on an interim basis.

Bleazard impressed enough to earn the job on a full-time basis, and that proved to be a savvy decision, with Cherries recording a third-place finish and claiming the FA WNL Cup.

However, that alone will not satisfy the ambitions of Cherries’ owner Bill Foley, who brought the women’s side under the umbrella of parent company Black Knight Football Club in June 2025.

So far, Foley’s actions have backed up his words when it comes to the women’s side. After an initial boom in support for the women’s game following the Lionesses recent successes, clubs were much more positive towards their women’s sides.

However, that has dwindled into occasional games staged at home stadiums. On the surface, Cherries’ moves over the summer could be met with scepticism.

That could not be further from the truth. Cherries On Top understands that there is a strong focus throughout the club on improving the women’s side’s profile, with the move to Weymouth a necessary, if painful, step to push Bournemouth further up the pyramid.

For now, the biggest indicator of progress will be on the pitch.