GEORGE Webb went to Castlepoint to do a bit of shopping and left with the opportunity to rebuild his career.

When the 18-year-old headed for the Bournemouth shopping centre, little did he know that the next stage in his footballing journey awaited him.

The young midfielder faced an uncertain future when he was released by AFC Bournemouth at the end of October.

In the three months since, stints at Yeovil Town and Gosport Borough have not worked out, but he is determined to climb back up the footballing ladder, starting from across town with Bournemouth Poppies. And it was a freak meeting with Victoria Park boss Kenny Vaughan which handed him that Wessex League chance.

Webb explained: “I met Kenny Vaughan when I was shopping and he overheard me talking and said ‘is that a football contract you’re talking about?’ “So it was funny how it happened – in the shopping centre at Castlepoint.”

Many people might be downbeat after dropping out of the professional game into step five of the non-league pyramid, but Poole-based Webb remains hopeful of carving out a future in football.

He spent nine years at Cherries and is keen to force himself back into that sort of company – and he sees the Wessex League as a good place to start.

“I feel as though I can play higher and would love to get back into the professional game,” admitted Webb.

“Hopefully I can make a name for myself and get back professionally. Hopefully Eddie Howe will give me another chance when I’ve grown up and matured a bit and got another side to my game.

“I’m happy at the moment playing games and we have got a great bunch of lads at Poppies, and it’s a good side with good players around me.

“I look at it and wouldn’t have thought that when I was on the bench for Cherries I would be in the Wessex League within three months. But you’ve got to deal with the ups and downs and hopefully I’ll learn from it as a player and person.”

If Webb needs to look for inspiration, he can find it in Charlie Austin, the former Poole Town striker who has successfully moved from the Wessex Premier to League One.

And while he is enjoying playing for Poppies and hopeful for the future, Webb will always reflect fondly on his time at Dean Court. He added: “I loved every minute of it but there comes a time when you need to play games.

“I have a few regrets that I didn’t carry on there and decided to go it alone. Sometimes I think I regret leaving there but I have to get on with it and push on.

“I’ll always support AFC Bournemouth because they are the team I followed as a youngster and I played there. I’d love to see them get promoted.”