FORMER Huntington School pupil Simon Heslop has admitted it is an honour to captain his home-town club.

Heslop, 29, was brought to York City this summer by Jackie McNamara following a career that has seen him represent 13 different clubs, including the likes of Wrexham, Oxford and Luton.

Having been handed the armband ahead of fellow contenders Jack Higgins and Matt Fry, who have been named joint vice-captains, Heslop also hopes the team will benefit from the leadership qualities of all three men during 2016/17.

Heslop said: “It’s an honour to lead the lads out this season. Coming from York, I know a lot of people around the city, so I’m delighted to be captain.

“It won’t change me because I would consider myself a leader, even if I wasn’t wearing the armband, as I’m sure will be the case with the other strong characters we have got in the dressing room.”

Following his first game as skipper – Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Maidstone – Heslop has also promised that his playing standards will rise.

“I thought I did OK, but there’s a lot better to come,” he added. “I worked hard, but that’s the least you can expect and I’d say I was steady away, rather than spectacular.”