Alex Pearce named club captain
Lions announce experienced defender as skipper for the 2019/20 season
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@MillwallFC
Millwall are pleased to confirm Alex Pearce as the club's new captain.
The 30-year-old defender now looks set to lead The Lions out for the first official time at The Den against Preston North End in August's season opener.
Arriving at the club on an initial loan deal in January this year, Pearce worked his way into Neil Harris' starting line-up before taking the armband on several occasions last campaign.
Having become the club's first permanent signing of the summer following the end of last season, the Republic of Ireland centre-half now takes over the captaincy following the loan departure of Steve Morison to Shrewsbury Town.
"It's a massive honour for me and a massive privilege to be asked to be club captain by the gaffer," Pearce said.
"I'm proud to lead these boys - it's a great group of lads.
"Since I've come here, even on loan at the back end of last season, I was made to feel really welcome by everyone - the players, the staff and the fans as well - so to be asked to be full-time club captain is a great thing. I'll give it my best shot for sure."
Pearce, who will return to training at Calmont Road later this week alongside his team-mates following the pre-season camp in Portugal, added: "This is a great club - a club that is moving in the right direction.
"Last year was a bit of a reality check for everyone concerned but this season we're looking to push on, adding some quality names to the squad which you can see the gaffer has done already, and have a strong start.
"(The mood) is extremely positive. I'm not just saying that - honestly it is. Training has been difficult. We've been training hard every day, even the day after games when the boys have played 60-70 minutes. That is pre-season and that is what it is all about.
"I like to think we'll be fit this year based on the training we've been doing and I'm very excited for the season ahead."