CAPTAINS MY CAPTAINS

Mark Ricketts has been appointed first-team captain of Boreham Wood with Matt Paine his deputy and Joe Devera taking the role of club captain, manager Luke Garrard has confirmed.

Midfielder Ricketts was skipper at Woking before moving to Meadow Park this summer while centre-back Paine also took the armband at previous club Braintree Town where Kenny Davis, another summer signing, was skipper.

Former Barnet, Portsmouth and Swindon Town defender Devera has taken up the role of club captain following Sam Cox’s departure at the end of last season.

Explaining his decision, Garrard said: “I recruited two skippers in Kenny Davis and Mark Ricketts and, in fairness, any number of players could have done the job.

“I think the leadership skills of both players are excellent and picking the skipper is the toughest job I’ve had in my short time as a manager.

“You look at all the credentials; Ricko is a leader of men, Painey is a leader of men, Kenny Davis leads by example, Dave Stephens has done it elsewhere and Ben Nunn and Ricky Shakes are the longest serving players.

“Ricko did an excellent job at Woking and he’s the perfect man for the job. Painey is also a leader and he could easily have been given the skipperS role. He will bring more experience to the backline.”

Garrard has previously performed the role of club captain and explained what he expects from Devera: “He will be an extension of the management team and will bring things from the dressing room to the coaching staff that need discussing.

“I’ve been club captain here and I’ve outlined what I expect from him and I believe he will do a good job for me and his teamates.”