Dave Artell explains decision to hand George Ray the captain's armband after Hollands went off

David Artell says he handed George Ray the captains’ armband on Tuesday night because the Welsh International possesses the right leadership qualities. Artell made sure that Ray has handed the armband by substitute Ryan Wintle after the youngster replaced club captain Danny Hollands after just 20 minutes into our 2-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers.

Artell says there was logic in the decision because he feels that the recalled centre-half is ‘maturing very nicely’ after seeing his opportunities limited under previous boss Steve Davis.

Talking to the club’s official web-site, the boss said: “I think George is a leader and it wasn’t a decision I took lightly at the time. I said to Ryan when he was going on to the pitch, to make sure you give the armband to George.

“He is a young, inexperienced captain but he is a leader. He is good in the dressing room and keeps it bouncing. He sometimes falls back into that giddy teenager but there is also a time and place for that as well. I would say that he is maturing very nicely.

“I had a chat with him before the Exeter game and told him that in the past he would play five or six games, and then make a mistake and he took that on board. We are looking for that consistently from him because we know what a good player he is. He is doing very well.

“When you are a captain, it is key that you are consistent, and reliable. You have to be a 7/10 every week because you cannot be telling others what to do, if you are making mistakes that cost goals and games.

David added: “He has a respectful voice in the dressing room and has all the capabilities to be a captain. It is a great honour to captain any club and I’m sure it was a great honour for him on Tuesday night.”