Local lad handed skipper's armband

The midfielder, pictured, was handed the skipper's armband at the EVO-STIK NPL First Division North club by manager David Foster after Mike Aspin announced last week that he would be taking time out the game to concentrate on fully recovering from a forthcoming ankle injury.

The Mintcakes say versatile former Bolton Wanderers and Gretna player McDonald has been outstanding since arriving midway through last season. Hailed as the fittest player at The Pye Motors Stadium, the 26-year-old, who can play in defence or midfield, took the armband for the first time in last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Glossop North End.

After deciding to take time out, Aspin thanked the club's fans for their support in a statement explaining his decision.

The defender told the club's website: "I would like to place on record my thanks to everybody at Kendal Town for the past two years. It has been an honour to captain the football club and has been somewhere I've been proud to call home.

"After battling to get back fit since my ankle injury in May, the injection I had in my ankle unfortunately hasn't worked and I'm hobbling through football matches and being unable to walk for two days afterwards.

"With my business and my life to think about I've decided to take time out from the playing team so I can have remedial treatment involving an operation. Thank you to all the lads I've played with and best of luck for the rest of the season."

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