Shackley made Whitehaven captain

Whitehaven have announced that Marc Shackley has been appointed as club captain for the 2018 season.

Haven head coach Carl Forster was forced to change captains after Scott McAvoy retired at the end of last season. McAvoy has now joined Forster and Tony Stewart on the coaching staff.

Centre and popular face at the Recreation Ground, Chris Taylor, has been appointed Shackley’s vice-captain.

Shackley, who joined Whitehaven from rivals Workington Town on a five-year deal ahead of the 2017 season, says it is a privilege to be the Haven skipper.

He said: “I’m chuffed! I can’t wait for the season to start now. It’s a great honour to be asked (to be captain).

“It’s a big thing for me because it’s my hometown club. Hopefully we can have a better year than last year and get promoted.”

Forster thinks Shackley will make a good captain for their 2018 campaign in League 1.

He said: “He is the perfect fit following Macca’s (Scott McAvoy) retirement.

“He leads from the front in a game and I’m confident he will do so off the field with this responsibility.

“I have a good relationship with Shacks and I trust him to do the best by the players and the club. With Chris, the new vice-captain, they can work together and be successful.”