New Sons skipper Mark Durnan has set his sights firmly on promotion and says he’ll relish the additional responsibility of being captain.
The former Dundee United and Alloa defender was named as the club’s new captain last month following the departure of Gregor Buchanan and Ryan McGeever.
He said it was an honour to be handed the armband but stressed that it would have no impact on how he plays.
Mark told the Lennox: “I’ve always been the type to put my arm around other players and try to lead. I don’t think it makes a massive difference whether I’ve got the armband or not. I’ll always try to be one of the vocal ones in the dressing room.
“In the past I’ve played with captains who aren’t as vocal and lead in a different way. But something I’ve always brought to a team is a vocal presence.
“It’s all about encouragement and trying to get the best out of people; it doesn’t just take shouting!
“Promotion is absolutely the number one aim. I don’t think there’s anyone not thinking that.
“It won’t be easy. We’re all aware how tough a league this will be.
“We need to put a big effort in every week to earn three points. We have to go into every game, work hard and earn that victory.
“Hopefully, with the quality we have at the club, and that hard work then it’ll come to the fore.”
Fans got their first look at Stevie Farrell’s revised squad in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Northern Premier League Hebburn Town, with a radically different formation and style of play immediately noticeable.
And Mark believes the switch to a 4-3-3 and shorter passing game will pay dividends for the Sons, even if it will take time to perfect.
He continued: “Straight from day one in pre-season the manager has set out that we’re focused on trying to build from the back. It’s a totally different structure to last season.
“I enjoy that style of play, it’s something I’ve had before – including at Alloa.
“It will take time. And it’s something everyone will need to buy into. But the boys seem to be doing that already and are fully onboard with it.
“The more we do it, in every training session and every match, it should come more naturally and we can see the benefits.
“When we get it right we really look good and I think we can do well this year with that style of play.”
Now wearing the armband, Mark is looking to make up for lost time – having been named Alloa Athletic skipper last season, only for his career off the park to limit his game time.
“It’s an honour to have been named as the club captain,” he added.
“Obviously you feel that additional responsibility and I feel like, with my experience and age, it’s something that I’m definitely happy to take on.
“I was named captain of Alloa last year as well, which was also a big honour, but going away to do my Fire Service training meant that I didn’t get to fully embrace being the captain.
“Getting the best out of the squad is something that will take all of us – not just me and (vice-captain) Sean (Crighton) –we’ll need everyone mucking in to try and get the best out of each other.
“The boys seem a really great bunch and I’m hoping I’ll be able to play my part in bringing good times to the club.”
