The Cherries kick off their tier three campaign today. _(Image: Richard Crease)_
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THE [Cherries](http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/) make their tier three bow today as they host Billericay Town in the National League Southern Premier Division.
Bournemouth begin their campaign at Ringwood under interim boss Helen Bleazard, who was a part of the squad which secured promotion last season.
Then-manager Steve Cuss has since stepped down due to time pressures with his role as head of community at the Cherries.
But Bleazard is confident that her squad can hit the ground running in the third tier.
Bleazard told afcb.co.uk: “They were ready for it last year.
“There’s the girls that we’ve brought in over the summer but also the girls last year. We were ready for tier three.
“I know the attitude and the desire of the girls we’ve brought in as well has been fantastic, not only as players but as people.
“As a team, I think they have gelled really well. Now we can really kick on and look forward to the season.”
The Cherries have bolstered their squad this summer after nine players departed, with the signings of Jessica Hennessy, Freya Meadows Tuson, Georgia Wilson, Sophie Quirk and Elena Cole.
Their final preseason game saw them beat West Brom in a behind-closed-doors friendly last weekend.
Reflecting on becoming interim boss for the Cherries, Bleazard added: “I’ve not slept a lot over the past week!
“But when it comes to the coaching side, as soon as I lock into that, I’m good.
“I have always said to the girls ‘when you’ve got the ball enjoy it’ and I think now as a coach, I just need to start enjoying it.
“In the short space of time we’ve had, it’s been an honour and a privilege to coach these girls and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.”
AFC Bournemouth host Billericay Town at the Ringwood Community Hub on Sunday, August 17, kick off at 2pm.