Scott Sinclair has been confirmed as the new club captain of Bristol Rovers FC.
The forward, who has worn the armband in a handful of pre-season outings over the summer, will take over the full-time captaincy at The Memorial Stadium following Sam Finley’s departure at the end of last season.
The 35-year-old, who began his career with Rovers as a youngster, has been a highly-popular and influential member of the squad since returning to the Gas in October 2022. He has scored ten goals in 68 competitive appearances since rejoining the Pirates and penned a new, one-year deal with the Club at the start of July.
“It’s a great honour to be Bristol Rovers Club captain,” Sinclair said. “To become the captain of my boyhood club is a dream come true. I was an eight-year old boy when I came to Rovers, and I came through the ranks here, so it’s a huge honour to have that full-circle moment and be named the captain.
“As you get older, you perhaps become one of the players that the younger lads look to for a bit of advice or guidance, and it’s my pleasure to help them in any way I can. I want to be able to give them that advice, help them through a tricky or tough moment, share with them my experiences and give them as much confidence as I can
“That being said, I don’t think it is just one person that fills that role. I think back to when I was younger and we had some huge characters at Bristol Rovers, so it wasn’t just the captain who did that. We had a team full of leaders and they all led by example. Those players didn’t necessarily need an armband to put their arm around a young player’s shoulder and show them the way.
“I’m surrounded by a great group of lads here. There is a lot of experience in our dressing room and a lot of new faces too, all ready and eager to play for this Club this season. It will be my privilege and honour to lead them out at The Mem on Saturday and throughout the coming campaign.”
Manager Matt Taylor said: “Scott deserves to be Bristol Rovers captain. First and foremost, this isn’t a token gesture for someone who started his career at this football club. He’s been our best player in pre-season and he was one of the most consistent performers for us in the back half of last season too.
“He sets an example to the squad every single day. He’s still winning all the running in pre-season, which shows just how fit he is too. Scott is quiet, mild-mannered and humble, despite all he’s achieved in his career, and that’s the attitude we want to breed throughout the whole squad.
“I think our fans will be able to relate to Scott as much as our other players can too. Nobody puts in more than Scotty on a daily basis and it’s a pleasure to have him as our club captain.”
Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to congratulate Scott on his appointment to the club captaincy.
