HEREFORD FC manager Pete Beadle says he has chosen his new captain.

It is understood that the club will formally announce the news before this Saturday's final pre-season friendly against Stourbridge.

Jimmy Oates wore the armband last night for the Bulls' friendly against Gloucester due to Rob Purdie being injured.

But Beadle said there were a number of contenders, which made it a difficult decision.

"We had a fantastic skipper before so I have to make sure that the new captain will have the same effect on the team," said Beadle, who will also have a vice-captain.

"You look at Rob and Ryan [Green] who are senior pros, Jimmy and Jack [Deaman] have got great experience and offer a lot and [Mark] Preece has got great experience and has been around the block.

"Some players lead by example, whereas others talk and encourage.

"It's important that we have the right skipper who the players will respect."

In a poll run by the Hereford Times, the majority of supporters said that Purdie should be the new skipper.

A total of 426 people had their say, with Purdie claiming 40% of the votes cast.

Ryan Green had the next highest share, with 28%.