Clarke named new Vikings skipper (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Clarke named new Vikings skipper

4:55pm Tuesday 3rd January 2012 in Vikings news

JON Clarke, one of 14 new faces at the Stobart Stadium Halton, has been appointed as the Vikings' captain for 2012.

The 32 year-old will lead the Vikings in their return to Super League and head coach Denis Betts is delighted to offer one of his most senior players the responsibility; “There were a number of candidates who could’ve done the job, and I’ve taken my time to come to a decision about who will captain the team.

“The reason we brought Jon into the organisation was for his experience and his leadership skills and both have shone through already in pre-season. Without taking anything away from the qualities that make him such a good person and player, I have every confidence the role will be a great progression for him.”

"It's a great honour to be chosen as captain of a club which has such a wealth of history behind it and I feel privileged to follow on from some of the big names that have captained this club in the past,” added Clarke.

"When I was younger, I captained Great Britain academy and I also did it on a number of occasions at Warrington Wolves over the years, but to now have the full-time post as it were, is something I am really looking forward to both on and off the pitch.

“It’s a position I will take extremely seriously and I’ll give absolutely everything I’ve got to the role. The challenge of being a captain is being able to perform the leadership role alongside playing your own game just as well, so I’ll be hoping to lead by example in not just my words but also my actions as well.”

Betts has today also unveiled Shaun Briscoe as the Vikings’ vice-captain for the 2012 campaign knowing only too well his full back will relish the extra responsibility; “Shaun has a great deal of experience under his belt on both the domestic and international stage and his communication skills have been vital to all of those around him throughout his career.

“We are blessed with many great leaders within our ranks at the Vikings, but having Shaun in this role helps me a great deal and I know that he will help lead the team with great integrity at all times.

“Between Shaun and Jon, it’s likely that either if not both of them will be on the field for most of the time during a game and it was important for me to feel confident in my decision making that I had selected the right people who could be trusted to fill the job descriptions. I’ve no doubt whatsoever that I have chosen the right men for the roles.”

“I’m chuffed to bits!” admitted Briscoe.

“To come to a new club and be chosen as vice-captain is a great honour and it’s extremely pleasing to learn that your new head coach has such faith in you.

“One of my main strengths as a player is my talking and organisational skills and hopefully the extra responsibility will enhance these attributes even further. I was vice-captain at Hull KR in 2009 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience so to have the opportunity to do it all again is something I’m really looking forward to and I’m proud to add the job title to my CV.”