GILLINGHAM defender Chris Hope has spoken of his delight at officially being named as the new club captain at Priestfield.

Hope takes over the armband from Paul Smith, who left the Gills last month after failing to agree terms on a new deal.

Speaking after Saturday's opening day victory over Colchester, Hope said: "I’m over the moon and really pleased. I’ve got some big boots to fill after taking over from Paul Smith but I’m looking forward to it.

"There’s a good bunch of lads here so it makes it quite easy for me. I know the club inside out and I’m delighted.

"I captained Scunthorpe when I was there for three years and hopefully we can have a successful season under my captaincy.

"It was good before the game. I said a few words and a lot of lads were very vocal in the dressing room and everyone was right up for it.

"To get a win against Colchester was fantastic and it was nice to get off to a good start and I was pleased – we showed good character to come back."