CHRISTCHURCH youngster Will Aimson has spent his life playing sport, but now has his heart set on football after signing for Championship club Hull City.

Aimson, 18, signed a one-year scholarship with the Tigers after resisting the attentions of Cherries scouts, as well as the likes of Southampton and Chelsea, at an early age before finally deciding to try to follow in his grandfather’s famous stud marks.

Paul Aimson brought his family to Christchurch in 1973 while turning out for AFC Bournemouth in the twilight of a Football League career that had seen him achieve cult status at York City, scoring 55 goals in 142 games across four fruitful seasons at Bootham Crescent.

Having remained in Christchurch, Paul died three years ago, but now rising star Will is determined to emulate his grandfather’s achievements having chosen football over tennis and golf.

The former Highcliffe Senior School pupil was quick to shine in the Southampton Tyro League for Winsor FC before training with coach Terry Wateridge, described by Aimson as “a big influence”.

He then trained with Darren Waterman’s Elite Training Camp, turning down professional clubs to stay with his mentor and revert to a defensive role before joining the youth set up at Conference South club Eastleigh.

Aimson was quickly drafted into the Spitfires’ reserves as captain of a young team that attracted the attention of scouts up and down the country, which is where Hull spotted his potential.

The new Tigers star recalls: “They (Hull) were watching a few players because we were playing good football. Eastleigh are quite well known for their younger players – they had a look at me and asked me to trial.

“It was mid-season and I felt my form and fitness were good when I went up. There was a difference, the football was a lot quicker but I always felt I could play to that standard.

“It felt like a big dream but, after half a day, I got the hang of it and got offered the deal.”