Furman spurred on by captaincy

DEAN FURMAN . . . “amazing feeling” to lead out Latics.

ATHLETIC midfielder Dean Furman has spoken of his pride at being handed the captain’s armband for the new npower League One campaign.

Paul Dickov’s side entertain relegated Sheffield United at Boundary Park on Saturday in a mouth-watering opening game.

And no one will be more pumped up than the man leading them out of the tunnel.

Furman was promoted to skipper following Reuben Hazell’s summer departure.

“It was an absolute privilege to be made captain of this club and I cannot wait to wear the armband for the first time in a competitive match,” he said.

“I know it is a huge responsibility — I certainly will not be taking it lightly.

“I think it gives you a massive lift because there are obviously several players here who could have stepped into the role.

“But obviously I am delighted the manager decided to pick me.

“Everything this summer has been geared towards being ready, mentally and physically, for the visit of Sheffield United and the boys are all buzzing now.

“It will be an amazing feeling to lead the side out for the opening game of a new campaign.”

While Furman feels it would be counter-productive to set a specific target this term, he feels a good start can help shape the rest of Athletic’s season.

He added: “After the first couple of weeks of pre-season training the sessions become intense, and one of the reasons for that is we want to hit the ground running as soon as the real action begins.

“If we can make a positive start and get some good results under our belts early on, it will give us something on which to build.

“We have brought in some good players who will soon settle in because of the team spirit we have, and there is no reason why we cannot go and have a successful campaign.”