Goal king Sam Higgins is excited at having additional responsibility next season after he was named East Thurrock United captain.

The 24-year-old was announced as Rocks’ new skipper over the weekend, after the departure of Tom Stephen to Concord Rangers earlier this month.

And, having found the back of the net 44 times last season, Higgins insists he is now ready to take on the added burden of being captain, as well as being the main source of goals.

“It was a really nice feeling being asked by Covo (John Coventry) to be captain,” he said. “I know the club well and we all get on really well so it is an exciting development for me. I have been here for about four years, on and off, so I am really pleased I was picked by the manager.

“I am ready for this and hopefully it will inspire me to even more goals next year. Hopefully the goals I score will inspire confidence in the team and give us the platform to go on and really push for the play-offs this year.”

East Thurrock looked set for the play-offs last season after a terrific run of form over the New Year but they dropped off badly at the end of term to leave them nine points off fifth place.

But Higgins, above, says, despite some notable departures, the players brought in by Coventry will prove to be astute signings and believes they will also help him in his new role.

“Losing players is always difficult but we have added the likes of Rickie Hayles and Kris Newby and these are both players who know the club and the league.

“We still need a few lads in some positions but I am sure they will come in.

“Rickie is a very vocal lad in the dressing room and on the pitch and that will be good for me as captain,” he continued. “Lewis Smith is another who is vocal on the pitch so it is nice to have other players who will speak up on the pitch.

“I have been much more vocal in recent years and I think this will be a really good step for me.”

Rocks head back to pre-season this weekend before they begin their schedule against Witham on Saturday, July 18.