Tommy Smith has been named as the new Colchester United Captain.
The Kiwi defender takes over the role from Harry Pell, and will now lead the team out as they strive for success at the JobServe Community Stadium and across the country.
There were a number of matches across last season when the experienced centre half took the captaincy, but he is pleased to have the role full time and explained how he found out the news.
He said on Thursday lunchtime: "The Gaffer insinuated over the close season that he was going to trust me with the role and it's an absolute privilege to be handed the armband full time."
" I did it on a few occasions last season when Pelle, (Harry Pell), was out, but as I said, it's a real privilege to be the club's captain for real."
It couldn't have been an easy decision for Hayden Mullins, given the qualities others in the squad have as well this year, something that Smith acknowledges and feels will only be good for the group and the club.
"With the group we have, looking after things on and off the pitch is going to be easier because the dressing room runs itself with the experience and leadership in there.
"We have a number of experienced players that I can lean on for help and who have been captains at other clubs so that will also make it an easier job for me.
"Every successful squad needs a group of leaders, not just one leader and we've certainly got that in different positions throughout the team and that only bodes well for us."