DANNY Jackman has been backed to be a ‘calming influence’ as the new skipper of Worcester City.
The 33-year-old midfielder will take the armband for the first time at home when City host North Ferriby United at Aggborough on Saturday (January 30) and joint-manager Carl Heeley told the Observer he was delighted to hand him the role.
“Jacko’s got the respect of everyone in the dressing room, we can rely on him and he will bring a real calming influence,” he said.
“It’s not about ranting and raving, it’s about getting your points across and Danny does that well and we are looking forward now.”
The captaincy has extra significance for Jackman as his grandfather Bill made 121 appearances for City between 1947 and 1953 before going on to become part of the backroom team.
City go into the game against another National League North promotion contender on the back of an impressive 3-2 win at Fylde last Saturday (January 23).
Goals from Amadou Bakayoko and a brace from Daniel Nti secured all three points for City and Heeley was delighted with the result.
“It’s a great win considering all the problems we have had to contend with suspensions and players leaving,” he said.
“To get a win at one of the top-three sides in this division in my opinion is a great result for us.”
The result came at the end of a week which saw former club captain Ellis Deeney leave the club for Tamworth and Heeley said changes needed to be made.
“We needed a changing room where everyone wanted to be there and was committed to the cause, we have got that now,” he said.
North Ferriby visit Aggborough in second place in the National League North table but Heeley said City would approach the game as normal.
“If you look at the last two games we were probably expected to beat Corby Town but not get anything at Fylde,” he said.
“Instead it’s the other way round but we are probably where we should be.”
City are expected to welcome back keeper Nathan Vaughan after suspension while Wayne Thomas will be in contention after his run-out against Fylde.
Strikers Lee Hughes and Jordan Murphy are also expected to return