LONG-SERVING fans’ favourite Tyler Weir has been handed the captain’s armband as Worcester City prepare to kick off their league campaign.
Lee Hughes and John Snape’s side host Heanor Town in their opening Midland Football League Premier League clash on Saturday (kick off 3pm) when they will be led out by Weir.
The combative full-back initially joined City from Hereford United on loan in 2012 and has since gone on to wear the blue and white more than 200 times.
Weir has established himself as a fan-favourite for his no-nonsense approach and calls of ‘shoot Tyler’ whenever he picks up the ball in the opposition half.
He was honoured by the City faithful last season as their Player of the Season but was expected to join the exodus of players following their relegation from the National League North.
However, the 26-year-old committed himself to a new deal and said it was a big honour for him to be handed the captaincy of the side
“We’ve got some big characters in the team so when Snapper and Lee asked me to be captain I was buzzing, and will take it with both hands,” he said. “I want to get the club back to where we belong. I’ve been here for four years now and the club means something to me.
“I don’t like losing and I want the other lads to be the same, then we will be going places.”
Joint bosses Hughes and Snape were united in their desire to hand the full-back the armband.
“Tyler leads by example and has been at the club for years, he knows the club inside out and the lads respect him,” Hughes said.
City’s decision to back Weir was revealed on Monday just 48 hours after the full-back took the armband in the Blue and Whites’ FA Cup extra preliminary round clash at Daventry Town.
Hot-shot Dave Reynolds opened his account for City with a header in the 38th minute after a cross from left-back Aaron Griffiths.
Despite chances for both teams, Reynolds’ effort was enough for a 1-0 victory over the United Counties Premier Division side.
City will now host Northern Premier League South side Chasetown in the preliminary round on the weekend of August 19/20 in the middle of four home games to kick off the new season proper.
After Saturday’s visit of Heanor, City welcome AFC Wulfrunians on Tuesday before the visit of Loughborough University on Saturday, August 26.