DAVID Beckham was always a cut above on the football pitch – now he is sharpening his skills as a Bournemouth barber.

Well, actually, it’s not Golden Balls but one of the UK’s top Becks impersonators Jamie Gleeson from Poole.

The 28-year-old, who plays for Dorchester Town, has joined forces with former Cherries midfielder James Rowe at Moordown’s Boss Barbering.

James, who hung up his football boots in favour of a pair of scissors and set of clippers, has been running the Wimborne Road shop for owner Mark Metcalfe since it opened in July and has now drafted in old mate Jamie now that business is booming.

“I met Rowey when we were playing for Dorchester six or seven years ago under Eddie Mitchell and Shaun Brooks,” said Jamie.

“We became really good friends and stayed in touch.

“It’s hard when you come out of football and we always used to talk about what we would do when we finished playing. The barbering is something we’d both always been interested in and Rowey just went for it, got on a course and then talked me into coming on board once Boss opened up.”

Jamie has travelled the world posing as former England captain Beckham – even working with the man himself in Spanish haunt Marbella.

“The Beckham stuff is more of a laugh than anything, but I have done quite well out of it, too,” added Jamie.

“I’m doing more than ever now and it’s going really well, although I’m doing some corporate work in London soon and they asked me if I knew any good Poshes.”

Jamie, though, insists his future lies in haircuts and wet shaves alongside best friend James.

“Rowey is good as gold,” said Jamie.

“On the football pitch he was always a bit of a moaner, but he’s not so bad in the shop. He’s been brilliant with me and is superb at his job.

“A lot of players go into coaching, but there are other things that can be done and we’re quite in touch with our feminine sides so barbering and fashion is great for us.

“People notice James because of his style, hair and moustache and it’s appealing. It’s different and I think we have something really unique here.”