'Castle announce Tommy van der Laan as new skipper
Our July fixtures started on Saturday with a 2-1 win away at Wythenshawe Town with new captain Tommy van der Laan taking over the captain's armband for our opening pre-season game.
Tommy, 24, made his debut in a 1-1 draw away to Runcorn Linnets in 2019 and has made 111 appearances for the club scoring 10 goals mostly from a holding midfield position.
As a local lad, Tommy knows all about the pride of representing our club and is looking forward to the challenge.
Tommy said: "I am really honoured to be taking up this challenge captaining the boys in what promises to be a very exciting season. There have been a lot of changes over the summer but we're now ready to get started and will be going into the new season with a lot of optimism.
"The gaffer has had us working hard in pre-season and made it clear what he expects from us all. My role is to ensure that happens on the pitch and to translate that hard work and planning into results. I'm ready!"
Kyle Stubbs is our new vice-captain. After moving into a central defensive position from left back when Paul Moore took over as manager, Kyle (27) has now been given the responsibility of leading the team when Tommy is unavailable. Kyle is in his third spell with us having moved from Hanley Town midway through last season.
Kyle said: "I'm delighted to be taking on this new role within the team, especially at a time when there's a real sense of expectation around the club. The gaffer has given us targets for the new season and as a playing squad we are fully behind him and confident we can achieve them."
Kick off in our first pre-season home game against Middlewich Town is at 7.30pm tomorrow. The match will be played at our Roe Lane training ground on the new 3G pitch.