BRAD Roscoe described it as a “massive surprise” to be asked to become Hyde United’s new captain.
The 25-year-old defender, primarily a centre back but who can play full-back, takes over from Tom Pratt.
“Pratty was a great captain, but the gaffer called me and said he wanted someone at the back to be captain as they can see the game in front of them, a regular starter and also a voice,” he said.
“I am really proud and privileged to be captain of a big club like Hyde.
“It was a no brainer to accept and a big thing in my career and hopefully I have the qualities and can live up to the role.”
Roscoe has only had one previous brief spell as captain at previous club Buxton after Callum
Chippendale was injured.
He is one of Hyde’s most senior players having signed from Buxton midway through 2019-20 season, making 77 appearances for the Tigers, scoring nine goals and has been a consistent performer.
Roscoe started his youth career at Preston North End before moving to Fleetwood Town in 2015.
He has played for Ramsbottom United, Glossop North End and Buxton before joining Hyde.
He describes manager Nick Spooner as a “breath of fresh air”.
Roscoe said: “The players love him, Gav (McCann) and Martin (Coyne).
“They do not take any prisoners, though, whether it is on the training pitch or games.”
Roscoe is also hoping for stability after Hyde last season had three managers, Dave McGurk, Jim Gannon and Spooner.
“Last season was not a good one in terms of our league position, but I looked on it as a learning curve,” he added.
“Dave was a great manager, Jim also had great qualities as have the current management team.”
Roscoe added Paul Phillips and Steve Halford, the well-known local management team, have been a huge influence on his career.
He was at Ramsbottom when they were appointed, and they subsequently took him with them to Glossop and Buxton.
“They helped kick start by non-league career and they are the reason I am here at Hyde,” he said.