New captain targets promotion for AFC Telford

Grand's appointment as skipper for the forthcoming Conference North campaign was announced yesterday.

And the versatile former Southport stopper, who also captained the Sandgrounders in Conference National last season, is determined to repay boss Liam Watson's faith in his leadership by guiding the Bucks to the silverware.

Asked whether he shared Watson's pre-season target of promotion, he said: "In my eyes, that is the whole reason I have come, and even more so now that Liam wants me to be captain.

"I want to lift a trophy this season and I wouldn't have dropped down a league, especially at this stage in my career, if I didn't think it was possible."

Asked how he felt about being handed the armband, he added: "It is great that I have been made captain and I like taking responsibility. I don't mind leading. I enjoy it."

Long-serving goalkeeper Ryan Young, meanwhile, will be vice-captain.

Young has made more than 300 appearances for the Bucks, putting him in the top five all-time appearances for goalkeepers at the club in all its various guises.

The 33-year-old also helped manage the team towards the end of last season alongside then-caretaker boss John Psaras, assistant Alex Meechan and midfielder Phil Trainer.

Watson is delighted with both appointments and believes they will play a very important role this season.

He said: "We always name a captain and vice-captain and they have a very important role to play in the dressing room but also at the club, by interacting with supporters and representing the club out in Telford.

"Simon is a really steady character and a cracking influence in the dressing room. Ryan is also a great lad and is Telford through and through.

"I consider both roles to be very, very important and we have two very, very good characters in Simon and Ryan."