Callum Guy has been appointed Carlisle United's captain for the 2021/22 season.

The midfielder has been handed the armband by boss Chris Beech.

Guy inherits the honour from Nick Anderton after last year's skipper left to join Bristol Rovers earlier this summer.

Defender Aaron Hayden, last season's vice-captain, will retain that position for the new campaign at Brunton Park, meanwhile.

Beech has confirmed the decisions ahead of United's first pre-season friendly at Penrith tomorrow.

The announcement comes just under a month ahead of the start of the new League Two campaign.

It is a further sign of 24-year-old Guy's growing influence at United after an impressive first full campaign at Brunton Park last term.

He was a multiple player of the year winner and also captained the side on a handful of occasions in Anderton and Hayden's absence.

Head coach Beech, speaking on the club website about the decisions, said: "I named our club captains early on in pre-season last year and I think it’s a prudent thing to do as we prepare for the new campaign.

“It allows the natural formation of leadership and support and lets all of the lads get comfortable with our approach and will to win out on the pitch early in our preparations.

“Callum will be our club captain for this coming season with Aaron continuing his key role as vice-captain.

“Callum has been excellent for us and, for me, was one of the best central midfield players in the league last season.

“He’s also a player I see who wants more responsibility. He wants to be a leader. I also think it will make him raise his game, he’s passionate about this football club and relishes the responsibility that being the team captain carries.

“He’s a person who embodies that Cumbrian spirit, he’s a hard-working lad who wants to get on and be successful. He’s got a lovely young family and wants to do his best at home and when he’s at work with us.

“He jumped at the chance to lead the side last year when the opportunity presented itself, and I also like the advantages it brings our group with having his vocal influence in the middle of the pitch.”

News and Star: Aaron Hayden: Remains vice-captain (photo: Barbara Abbott)Aaron Hayden: Remains vice-captain (photo: Barbara Abbott)

Beech said it was important that 24-year-old Hayden would continue as vice-captain.

The ex-Wolves defender often skippered the team last season. Beech added of the centre-half: “He’s another captain in my eyes, but having him sat in the heart of defence gives us that extra layer of leadership.

“He’s coming along leaps and bounds, which is testament to the hard work he puts in and also to the encouragement and support he shows to his teammates in training and on the pitch.” 

Beech recently said he wanted all his players to want to be leaders on the pitch in the forthcoming season.