BASHLEY boss Steve Riley has handed goalkeeper David Elm the captain’s armband in a bid to ease the burden on former skippers Dave Allen and Chris Knowles.

The midfielders had shared the on-pitch leadership role this term, but Riley felt they were being hampered by the responsibility.

Riley, whose side visit Zamaretto Premier title-chasing Salisbury tomorrow (3pm), said: “Dave and Chris are both winners and sometimes it gets the better of them.

“They think they have to do too much being captain and leader on the pitch.

“I just think Elmo will take the extra responsibility in his stride.

“He was chuffed to bits when we gave the armband to him.

“It won’t put him under any extra pressure. He’s a leader anyway.”

Riley added: “I want Dave and Chris to concentrate solely on their jobs in midfield.

“I don’t want to give them that extra responsibility of being captain.

“With Elmo’s stature at the club being so high, I felt he was the ideal person to take over.

“I had a chat with Chris and Dave about the situation and they both thought it was a good idea.

“They can concentrate on their roles as midfield players and just do their jobs.

“Elmo’s been a great servant to the club and it’s a nice reward for him.

“It’s given him a bit of a lift. He’s played ever so well in the last two games with the armband on and long may it continue.”

Mike Spinney, who missed Bash’s accomplished 2-0 midweek home win over Swindon Supermarine through illness, returns to Riley’s squad for their trip to Salisbury.

But Justin Keeler will be on duty with Wessex League Brockenhurst again.

Bash: (from) Elm, R Hill, Ferrett, Middleton, Whitley, Knowles, T Hill, Allen, Smith, Gamble, Oliver, Spinney, Collins, Brookes, Riley, Prodomo.