WANDERERS have brought in their second new centre-half of the summer with the signing of Will Aimson on a two-year deal.

The 27-year-old defender made 46 appearances in all competitions for Plymouth Argyle last season and makes a return to Lancashire, where he had previously had success with Bury and Blackpool, helping both sides to promotion.

Aimson said he was delighted to link-up with Wanderers, where he will compete for a place with new signing George Johnston, and last season’s first choice pairing Ricardo Santos and Alex Baptiste for a place in the Whites’ line-up.

“I couldn’t be any happier that this is over the line. I’m buzzing to sign for a club like this with its stature in the game,” he told the club.

“You can go through your career and you might not get chance to sign for a club like Bolton Wanderers, so I had to take up the opportunity when it came.

“The manager, style of football and the fan base all played a big role in me coming here and I cannot wait to get going.”

Ian Evatt believes Aimson will be a good fit for the style of play he brought to the club last season.

“Will is a quick and mobile centre back who is good in possession and suits the way we play,” he said. “He has promotions on his CV and will provide competition to the squad.

“I’m delighted that his has joined us.”

Aimson can also play in midfield – although his last appearance in that position was for Blackpool against Crewe in 2017.

He was a key part of the Shakers back four as they gained promotion as runners-up in League Two in 2018/19, making 37 appearances and scoring four goals at Gigg Lane.

Aimson started his football career in non-league with Eastleigh, moving into the Football League with Hull City in 2014 after impressing on a trial.

Whilst in Humberside he had loan spells with Tamworth, Tranmere Rovers and Blackpool, joining the latter on a full-time basis in 2016.

He played alongside Nathan Delfouneso at Bloomfield Road and helped the Seasiders into League One via the play-offs in his first season.

After initial success with the Shakers, financial problems at the club left him unable stay with the club. After deciding to follow his manager Ryan Lowe to Home Park he posted a message to the Bury fans on Twitter to thank them for their support.

"I would just liked to say a massive thank you to all players, staff and especially the fans of Bury FC,” he said. "Although it was short it's been one of the most enjoyable seasons I've had in the game.

"I'm gutted to be leaving under the circumstances but it's out of my hands.”

Joining current Wanderers skipper Antoni Sarcevic at Plymouth, Aimson missed much of his first season because of a pelvic injury.

He recovered to become a first team regular last season, only missing the last few games after rolling his ankle in a game against Charlton Athletic.

Lowe said the decision to release Aimson and his ex-Bury team-mate Byron Moore had been a difficult one this summer.

“His agent was ringing me and I said I needed to speak to Will first,” he explained to Plymouth Live.

“He said ‘It doesn’t sound good’. I said ‘It doesn’t matter, I need to speak to Will’.

“That’s the way I went about the business. I spoke to every player regarding it.

“Will understood because he had been part of a defence that had conceded a lot of goals.

“I always said Will could be a Championship player, but the targets we are looking for have been there, done it, seen it and worn the t-shirt. They are the people I want.

“So it was tough for Will. I could have kept him around for another year and be fourth or fifth choice centre-back, but I don’t want to do that.

“I want to be careful with the money we have got. We want to spend it wisely and we want to make sure we recruit better than what we have had.”