WITH the season starting tonight, I wanted to take this opportunity to say thanks to all the fans for all their support, as with all 46 game seasons there are going to be good and bad moments but with you behind us I know we can go one step further this year.

I think the news is out there by now that I’ve been made captain of the club for this season and I am truly honoured to accept the challenge.

When I joined here just over two years ago I couldn’t have imagined that I’d be made captain of this historic club and I want to thank the gaffer for giving me this opportunity.

I hope I do you all proud.

Luckily for me I’m surrounded by leaders who will also be really important around the changing rooms.

This summer Mladen (Sormaz, sporting director) and his team have brought in players with experience like Conor (Hourihane) and Marc (Roberts) who I will be able to learn from every day and this will make my job easier and can only benefit us all during the long campaign ahead.

I’d also like to welcome Georgie Gent, Matt Craig and Jackson Smith to Oakwell, all three have impressed massively during pre-season training and there is no doubt they are going to have an impact on this season as well as having a bright future.

Pre-season with Darrell Clarke and his staff has been great.

Everyone has bought in to what the manager wants to do, the intensity he wants to play with and what he is asking from us all. We all feel sharp and ready to go, there is a lot of optimism around Oakwell.

This positivity comes from the fans who have also really got behind Darrell too. There is a unity around the club which is always needed for any team to become successful.

On a personal note, my partner and I welcomed our first baby to the family this summer.

Our daughter was born in July, a massive thanks to all the fans that sent us nice messages over the summer congratulating us, we couldn’t be happier.

I am looking forward to being back at Oakwell under the lights tonight, I know we are expecting a good attendance with Mansfield also bringing over 3,000 fans with them.

The atmosphere will be brilliant and hopefully we can start the season with a positive performance and a win.

Thanks again for all your support.