Weston-super-Mare will have a new captain for this afternoon's FA Trophy tie at home to Workington.

Midfielder Jacob Cane has been handed the skipper’s role on a permanent basis after leading the Seagulls to a 3-1 win at Gloucester last week.

Manager Marc McGregor has now named the former Exeter City player as the permanent successor to Dayle Grubb.

Weston sold top scorer Grubb to Forest Green at the end of the year and McGregor has taken his time in naming a replacement.

The 23-year-old told the Weston Mercury: “It is a big role to take on after the departure of Grubby; he was so influential over the many years he was here."

Cane has played 120 league games for the Somerset club with seven goals on his record.

He added: “I feel privileged that the manager has entrusted me with the captaincy. I hope I am able to do a good job, helping the team as best I can and to carry on the good form we are currently enjoying.”

They lie ninth in the National South table some five points off the play-offs.

They have won their last four games, while Reds had notched a 17-match unbeaten run until losing 3-1 at home to Whitby on New Year’s Day.

Reds joint boss Lee Andrews said: “We are going into the unknown but are looking forward to the challenge of taking on a team from the level above.

“We will be concentrating on what we do best and making sure we get off to a strong start.

“Getting Jordan (Holt) back has given everyone a lift and I know everyone is determined to put up a very good show.”

The team left yesterday afternoon and stayed overnight near Bristol, while 31 intrepid fans left at 5am this morning for the 620-mile round trip.