Stuart Lewis says it’s an honour to be Maidstone’s new skipper.

Lewis succeeds Lee Worgan, who has been replaced after two-and-a-half years with the armband.

Goalkeeper Worgan remains club captain but Stones boss Jay Saunders feels the team will benefit from having an outfield skipper.

Lewis said: “It was a massive honour to be asked.

“I’ve been here a year and it’s gone really well.

“It’s good for me and my family because I’ve had a great time at the club and it’s a great achievement and an honour to get that armband.

“It’s nearly a year to the day since I joined and it’s been a great 12 months, firstly with staying up and then winning the player-of-the-year award, and this is the icing on the cake.

“The affiliation I’ve got with everyone at the club has been brilliant. I want to kick on now and have a great end to the season.”

Worgan, who lifted the National South play-off trophy during his time as captain, gave Lewis his blessing to take over.

Lewis said: “Worgs is one of my best mates in the dressing room so that was the main thing, I wanted to make sure there was no problem.

“He said ‘I want you to do it’ and he’ll back me the whole way and that was brilliant.

“He’s a great person and you don’t get many friends in football and he’s definitely one for me, so I wanted to make sure that was all good.”

Lewis got the nod over Alex Wynter and believes the armband will help his game.

He said: “I’d like to think it can take me to another level.

“I think because of how I play as well, when you haven’t got the armband and you’re in the thick of it, refs don’t give you the respect they might do when you are a captain.

“I can be more of a voice on the pitch and be in and around the referee in a positive way and I think that was in the gaffer’s mind.

“To captain a club like this means the world to me.”

Saunders said: “I just think there’s so many decisions going against us.

“I was a captain and you have that relationship with the ref from the minute you walk out on the pitch and I just think it will help us.

“Worgs understands and he agreed with it.

“He’s been outstanding and he’s still a leader in the changing room.”

Maidstone host Eastleigh tomorrow.