New skipper leads by example

New signing Chris Lynch lifted a trophy on his debut as captain after succeeding Danny Caldecott at Evo-Stik Northern Premier side Ashton United.

The Robins skipper, pictured, led his new club to victory in Tuesday night's Arthur Clancy Memorial Cup with a 4-1 win over Curzon Ashton. The annual preseason silerware is named in honour of the former director and head groundsman at United's Evo-Stik NPL First Division North neighbours.

Robins manager Danny Johnson hailed his new captain as a player who brings a winning attitude to Hurst Cross and urged fans and the squad to get behind Lynch and Warren Beattie who's been handed the Vice-Captain's armband for the coming campaign.

Johnson said: "He has a great desire to win football matches and that rubs off on other players - it's an infectious attribute he has. He's a great lad off the pitch too and is as honest as the day is long.

"Craig Robinson, my assistant manager, and I had a chat about the captaincy and we both agreed that the ideal replacement would be Chris Lynch. He's been given a new lease of life and is enjoying being a regular in the team rather than a squad player since his move from Altrincham.

"We believe he is the right man to lead us this season andI have also named Warren Beattie as Vice-Captain to support Chris both on and off the pitch. I am sure everyone involved at the club will support this decision and give Chris and Warren their backing.”

The Robins manager believes his former skipper Caldecott will return to his best form at left back after enduring a miserable season as captain, missing well over half the games last term through injury. One of his longest-serving players, Johnson says Caldecott himself supported stepping down as he is getting back to his best after a solid pre-season and wanted to concentrate on his form and fitness.

Johnson added: "We had a chat following the Mossley game and it was more DC's decision to relinquish the captaincy than anything else – he loves this football club and wants success more than anyone. However, he also wants to concentrate on staying fit and playing to the best of his ability.

"He is a very good friend of mine as well as an excellent footballer but he was putting too much pressure on himself to perform as well as trying to get the best out of his team mates. We both feel this decision will benefit the team but, more importantly, the player himself."