Tootle says players have to step up after captain moves on

Matt Tootle says that the Crewe Alexandra dressing room have had no indication about who will succeed Luke Murphy as club captain, but the in-form defender says it is time for leaders to emerge throughout the team.

The likes of Tootle, Abdul Osman, Adam Dugdale and Harry Davis have all been given the armband during the pre-season games but boss Steve Davis is keeping his final decision close to his chest.

 Tootle told crewealex.net: “We don’t know who the captain is going to be now that Murph has gone, but there are a few contenders. I have always felt like a leader and that won’t change. The team can be quiet at times but we do have character and whoever the gaffer decides will be captain will have the respect of the other lads.

“I know some people wouldn’t regard me as a leader because of what I am like off the pitch with the banter and stuff, but when we go out onto the pitch it is serious stuff.

“I think I have a lot of experience now and can be an influence by the way I play. It is a big year for me. I know I’ve been saying that for a while now, but I really think I am becoming more consistent in my play.”