Midfielder Craig Rocastle be-came one of the youngest captains in Kingstonian history last Saturday and enjoyed every minute of it.

The 20-year-old was given the captaincy in place of injured Peter Barnsby and made his debut in the role in the 3-1 win at Harrow Borough.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my first game as captain," said Rocastle "It was great to be asked to do the job. It gave me extra confidence and I hope to repay the club for that.

"I have never captained at senior level it is different to being a normal player, because you have to encourage and help everyone around you."

Ks manager Steve Sedgley was pleased with the leadership qualities shown by Rocastle and said: "I thought I would see how Craig coped with the responsibility and he did very well. That doesn't mean he will be captain for the next game. I might decide to have a look at another player."

Rocastle completed his free transfer from Ryman League Premier Division leaders Gravesend & Northfleet last week and says Ks have really made him feel welcome.

"Kingston is a friendly club, with a lot of people willing to help you out. As soon as I spoke to Steve Sedgley I knew this was the club for me. The players respect the manager for what he has achieved in the game."

Rocastle's late uncle and Arsenal legend David was a huge influence on him.

"He used to give me advice," said Rocastle. "I would have liked to have played against him, but I never had the chance. It would have been interesting to see how I would have done."

Meanwhile, Ks' out-of-favour striker Danny Bolt has vowed to force his way back into first team contention and has dismissed suggestions that he and Sedgley have fallen out.

Bolt was dropped from the team following the FA Trophy defeat at Woking and has been playing for the reserves.

"Steve is resting me. I'm not playing as well as I can and I have had a poor season by my standards," he said.

"I've been playing on the left-wing, but I think my best position is behind the strikers. That's not the formation Steve plays and I understand it is up to me to fit in that system.

"I have to make sure I'm not a square peg that can't fit in the round holes."

l Farnborough Town owner Graham Westley has denied he is interested in buying cash strapped Kingstonian.

The millionaire businessman's request to ground share with Ks was turned down by the Football League recently, but he has not given up hope.

"I very much want to talk to Nick Hood (Ks administrator) about sharing with Ks," said Westley. "I don't know anything about buying the club."

February 8, 2002 15:00