AFC Fylde manager Jim Bentley has proudly announced defender Alex Whitmore as the new first-team captain ahead of the 2021/22 National League North season.

The 25-year-old put pen to paper on a new and improved two-year deal back in June, having firmly established himself as a fans favourite and an integral part of The Coasters’ defence.

‘Whits’ often took the armband in Nathan Pond’s absence last season, and has worn it throughout the entirety of the 2021/22 pre-season campaign.

Speaking about the appointment, Bentley told afcfylde.co.uk: “Alex is a good person and a good player. He proved on many occasions that in Nathan Pond’s absence he can step in and do the job, and he is an old head on young shoulders. We sometimes forget how relatively young he still is. 

“He’s gone from strength to strength – not just on the pitch, but off the park aswell. He has all the attributes that I look for in a captain; he’s not a rant and raver, he is a sturdy and composed character, who is well respected by the staff, his teammates and the fans.

“When we announced the news to the group this morning, everyone was really pleased. There was no animosity or jealousy, he’s respected by everybody in the dressing room and everyone can see that he is ready to step up to the plate.”

Whitmore expressed his delight at being given the responsibility to the lead the team: “I’m very proud and honoured to be asked. There’s a few lads in the dressing room that could comofrtably take the role on, as we have some good experience and good leaders in there.

“It’s a different challenge for me – I’ve never been named captain before, so there is going to be some learning for me to do. I’m looking forward to it and hopefully its something that I can continue throughout my career.

“I’ll do my best to guide us in the right direction. I’m approaching my third season now; I know the gaffer and have a good relationship with the lads – so hopefully, with my experience and what I know, I can help get us going in that right direction.”