Rob Smith on Gianluca Havern's Telford skipper potential

Manager Rob Smith handed the skipper's armband to the 27-year-old centre-back for the opening pre-season friendly at Colwyn Bay last Saturday and believes the former Altrincham defender is a contender to lead the Bucks.

Midfielder Jack Rea was skipper at the end of last season; Havern and Ben Bailey led Altrincham and Hednesford respectively last term.

"Luca's won promotion from this league twice and is at the right age, temperament and he's a talker. He's a candidate for sure," said Smith.

"What I've said to the lads is I'm going to give the captaincy around to a few people. We've got two or three maximum, I'd say; we'll have a look and take it from there."

Smith is still looking to add a winger to his 10 summer signings and has Micah Evans on trial but is happy with the competition he has assembled.

As regards the rivalry for the centre-half positions, he said: "You've got to leave Paul McCone out of it at the moment as we're leaving him to get on with things at his own pace.

"But the other three (centre-backs) have all come here to play, and with injuries and suspensions they will get their chance.

"It may be that we play all three and I wouldn't rule that out.

"The competition is the same in midfield. We've got six midfielders vying for three positions and five or six strikers vying for maybe one or two slots, so the competition for places is immense.

"Last season I was looking at the bench thinking: 'How am I going to change games?' This time I'll have five subs who can all change a game.

"I can pick three midfielders and know the other three can come on and have an impact. If I play a lone striker, I've got the choice of Dave Hibbert, Josh Wilson, Tom Peers or Danny Reynolds."

Smith, meanwhile, said the players are bonding after enjoying an evening out following the Colwyn Bay game.

"We all went out on Saturday night which was part of the point of going there, letting the players get to know one another better," said the boss.