The 38-year-old completed 570 first-class dismissals during his career, as well as scoring 7,388 runs, including eight centuries.

But he made only four Championship appearances in 2002 following the arrival of South African Nic Pothas.

"This has come a year earlier than I expected," Aymes told BBC Radio Solent.

"Over the last four years I have been as successful as any batsman at the club, and the wicket-keeping has gone well too."

Aymes was recently appointed as joint manager of non-league football club Fleet Town.

He has yet to make a final decision on whether to retire from cricket or seek to continue his career with a new county.

Chief exec walks

Meanwhile, chief executive Graham Walker has stepped down from his post at the Rose Bowl with immediate effect to pursue other business interests.

Walker joined Hampshire in 2001 following Tony Baker's retirement to oversee the county's move to become a plc.

But he has left after reaching mutual agreement with chairman Rod Bransgrove.

Nick Pike, a non executive director of Hampshire plc, will take over as acting managing director with while his replacement is found.

Bransgrove said: "Graham has done a great job in giving us a structure for success.

"He leaves with our best wishes for continued success in his new venture."