Max Ehmer has been named as Gillingham’s new captain.

The defender took on the responsibility during the second half of last season when Gabriel Zakuani suffered an injury.

Ehmer said at the end of the season that he wouldn’t mind the armband again, permanently, and Gillingham manager Steve Evans has given him that role for the new campaign.

Evans said: “We have always admired Max and always respected him.

“He takes a rollocking from me straight on the chin and gives it back, which I love.

“He is a talisman, the boys look up to him and he is a good experienced professional.”

Having the captaincy won’t necessarily mean a shoe-in for selection every week though, Evans made clear.

He said: “If you’re not at it, you don’t play. The captain doesn’t have to play. He will be the captain of the football club.”

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Former skipper Zakuani offered his support, tweeting: “Congrats Maxi! Well deserved and you have the whole dressing room behind you El Capitano.”

Ehmer spoke about being captain when the season ended, having taken it off Zakuani. He had worn the armband before but felt more comfortable as a more senior player.

“I did enjoy it,” he said. “Before it wasn’t really my cup of tea, but now I feel it suits me a lot more.”

And he added: “We have many captains in there, though – just because you have the armband doesn’t mean you are the only captain. Everyone has to be a leader whether you are captain or not.”

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