Steven Pressley says Adam Collin’s “history” with Carlisle United was the reason he made the goalkeeper captain.

Pressley admits it was a close call between Collin and new defender Byron Webster for the armband.

The No1, though, got the nod ahead of Saturday’s opening-day win against Crawley, with centre-half Webster named vice-captain.

It saw the captaincy go to another Cumbrian in 34-year-old Collin after the summer’s departure of Danny Grainger.

Pressley said: “Both Adam and Byron are brilliant personalities.

“I just felt with Adam’s history at the club that he was better suited to the captaincy.

“He had an amazing season last year and picked up a lot of awards, and he’s got a history at the club. That was a big reason for me picking him.

“Byron is an amazing character and it wasn’t an easy decision, but Adam’s history probably swung it in his favour.”

Pressley saw Collin turn in a solid performance in United’s 2-1 win at the weekend, including a fine double save in the second half.

The manager added: “He was exceptional last season and he carried that on [against Crawley].

“The one thing he is good, at which people don’t tend to give him credit for, is his use of the ball.

“He uses the ball when it’s on the floor very well and he’s really improved in that area.”

United’s youth team get their league season belatedly under way today against Blackpool (Creighton, 1pm). Their original scheduled opener against crisis club Bury was postponed.