Skipper Stokes will lead from the front (From Echo)

New Concord Rangers captain Tony Stokes will lead from the front

2:57pm Wednesday 8th August 2012 in Sport By James Colasanti

TONY Stokes says he will lead by example after being named as Concord Rangers’ new captain.

The 25-year-old former West Ham academy man replaces Nicky Cowley, who has taken on a role as player-coach with the Canvey club.

Stokes, who has top scored for the Beachboys in the past two seasons, says he’s “chuffed” with his appointment.

“Nicky has done a great job and I just assumed he would carry on,” he said. “So it came as a surprise and it’s a great honour to be asked to do this.

“I was captain of the reserve side at West Ham for three years, so I have the experience.

“I’m not worried it will affect my form because I have been captain for six games in pre-season and we’ve won five.

“And I think those who’ve seen me wear the armband have said it has helped me add an extra five or 10 per cent to my performances.”

Stokes says he will try to share his experience with the younger squad members and lead by example on the pitch.

Cowley has been captain for the past four seasons after taking over from Dan Trenkel, the current player-manager at Great Wakering.

Concord manager Danny Cowley says Stokes deserves his chance to lead the side.

He said: “Tony’s not your typical type of English captain in as much as he won’t be fist waving and screaming.

“But we’ve followed the more European model by making one of our best players captain, like they often do in Italy and Spain.

“He’s scored a lot of goals for us and he’s had a great pre-season after coming back half-a-stone lighter.

“So he’s hungry to succeed and that is great for us.

“I’ve no doubt he’s the right choice because however good Tony is as a footballer, he is even better as a person.

“Now we just need to make sure he has a great year as captain by fulfilling our potential as a team.”

Comments are closed on this article.