Ross County defender Andrew Davies reckons his vast experience of English football will prepare him for the challenge of captaining the Staggies.
After joining from Bradford City last week, Davies, pictured below, was given the armband by manager Jim McIntyre following the departure of club captain Richard Brittain and vice-captain Paul Quinn at the end of last season.
Stockton-on-Tees-born Davies began his career with Middlesbrough, making his debut as a 17-year-old in a 3-1 League Cup defeat against Ipswich Town in 2002.
During his time at the Riverside Davies played his part in helping Boro reach the Uefa Cup final in 2006, starting both legs of the last-32 win against Stuttgart and the last-16 victory against Roma, although he did not feature in the 4-0 final defeat to Sevilla.
Southampton paid £1million for the former England under-21 international in 2007, before he joined Premier League side Stoke City a year later.
Following several loans, Davies joined Bradford in 2012, and was a second-half substitute in the Bantams’ 5-0 League Cup final defeat against Swansea the following year.
The 30-year-old is confident he can thrive in his new role and said: “I’m proud, it’s great to be named captain.
“It’s a big responsibility I’m willing to take head on. The manager spoke to me and said he wanted me to come in and lead the team. I’ve been captain at other clubs but, as I get older, I’ve gained more experience and know more about the game, how to handle certain situations.
“Hopefully it will work out fine. I’m coming to a new club and there are a lot of new faces, but everyone is starting fresh – the manager has said that right from the off.”
Davies was keen for a change of scenery after spending his career in England, and consulted County midfielder Raffaele De Vita, a former team-mate at Bradford, before committing to a two-year deal with the Dingwall side.
Davies added: “Maybe it was time for a change. I’ve played in all four English divisions. I’m 30 and I’ve always wanted to come up here and play football.
“When the manager rang and asked if I fancied a change I sat down with my wife and family and asked if they wanted to do it, they said yes.
“It’s a new challenge and a fresh start – and I’m really excited about it.
“Rafa was here last season, so I spoke to him and he had a lot of good words to say about the club, manager and staff. That was important. I also know Jonathan Franks, who has also just joined, as he was at Middlesbrough with me. It was good to know he was coming as well.”