No problems over Plymouth Argyle captaincy, insists Darren Purse

DARREN PURSE said he was honoured to captain Plymouth Argyle and foresaw no potential conflict with ex-Pilgrims skipper Paul Wotton.

Purse was officially handed the armband by manager Carl Fletcher on Monday, the 35-year-old defender taking over the captaincy from Simon Walton, who has joined League One Hartlepool.

Experienced centre-back Purse was in a two-man race for the Argyle captaincy former promotion-winning skipper Wotton, who is now in his second stint with his home-town club.

Purse said he had not spoken to Wotton about the captaincy, but would do if necessary.

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However, he said Plymothian Wotton had not given any indication the captaincy role was an issue.

But Purse insisted their relationship was good enough for the two veteran and respected players 'to sit down and sort it out' between themselves.

Stepney-born Purse has captained Sheffield Wednesday and before that Cardiff City and said he was equally proud to be leading the Pilgrims next term.

"It's an honour to captain the football club and I am obviously happy and pleased to be given the job," said Purse.

"I think having respect in the dressing room is a big factor, that always helps.

"Hopefully, I've got that.

"They (Argyle squad) are a great bunch of lads for what they did last year and, hopefully, I've got their backing.

"They (players) are the biggest part of the football club.

"Being a captain in football is not as important as it is in a cricket club.

"As in cricket they have a major input into picking the team and field selections.

"But in football it's about controlling the dressing room, making sure nothing gets out of hand.

"You are the go-between the manager and the dressing room.

"If any of the players, have got a problems then they can talk to me and I'll liaise with the manager on their behalf.

"And when you're out on the pitch, you are the man that the manager turns to, to get points across.

"It's about being vocal and having respect both of the dressing room and the manager."

Purse, who was a team-mate with Wotton while both were at Yeovil, added: "I've played under Wottsie twice when he was captain and so I don't see there being a big problem.

"We (Wotton and Purse) are good friends, both on and off the pitch, if there was one, then we'd have to sit down and sort it out.

"You can't be having cliques in the dressing room but like I said I can't see there being a problem.

"Paul's a top player and a top man – you don't get to play as many matches as he has played throughout his career without being thoroughly professional."