SOUTHEND United manager Kevin Bond has confirmed Mark Milligan will captain the Shrimpers this season.

The 33-year-old, who also skippers Australia, joined Blues from Scottish Premiership side Hibernian earlier this month.

And Bond has now revealed Milligan will also wear the armband for his club.

“Mark Milligan will be captain,” confirmed Bond.

“At the back end of last season we had a couple of captains.

“Jason Demetriou was captain in my first game, then we had another game and I think I had three in total.

“Sam Mantom, who I thought was as good a player I had in my time here last year, is a blinding individual and I love to him to bits.

“But my decision to make Milly captain is not a reflection on Sam or anyone else in any shape or form.

“It’s more of a reflection on Milly than anyone else.”

And Bond is certain Milligan will be able to lead by example.

“It’s what he offers us and brings to the group, said Bond.

“To bring that out of him I felt I needed to make that decision.

“But it’s really important Sam knows this isn’t a reflection on him because he’s been great.

“It’s all to do Milly.”

And Milligan was also proud to have been named Blues’ new captain.

“I’m very pleased,” said Milligan.

“It’s a nice responsibility.

“It’s not something we’ve spoken about a great deal but it’s something that I will take very seriously.

“I like to lead by example and I’ll do the absolute best I can.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to be captain in a number of teams that I’ve been at and hopefully my experiences over my footballing journey can help here.”