WORCESTER City have followed in the footsteps of USA’s women’s team by naming three captains for the new Midland League Premier Division season.

Carli Lloyd, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe led the national side to World Cup glory in France this summer.

Following the trio’s success, City boss Ashley Vincent decided to adopt USA’s innovative approach to captaincy.

Luke English who skippered the side in the second half of last season will share the armband with new signings Aaron Birch and Craig Jones.

“I want to do my job properly, so I study football at all levels,” Vincent said.

“We watched the World Cup and thought it worked really well for USA who are a successful team.

“We have got a captaincy group. Some teams just have one captain. Others have a club captain and a team captain.

“We have looked at it at a slightly different way that we have seen used at higher levels to a really good effect.”

Vincent has been impressed by the leadership qualities of ex-Hereford FC midfielder Birch and former Bromsgrove Sporting defender Jones during pre-season.

“Luke was the team captain towards the end of the season and did a fantastic job,” Vincent said.

“The boys that are left over from that squad trust him and know what he is about.

“We have also got Craig who is a serial winner. I think he has had three promotions over the past three season. And then there is Birchy who leads by example with his consistent performances.

“Between the three of them we think we have all the ingredients to make a great captaincy group that will keep the dressing room the way it needs to be.”

Jones is currently away on holiday, meaning he will miss City’s season opener at Newark Flowserve on Saturday (3pm).

The Nottinghamshire outfit are new to the division having gained promotion from the East Midlands Counties League. But Vincent is expecting a stern examination.

“They are a new team to the league but the players aren’t new to it,” Vincent said.

“I think half of the team are the Ilkeston side from last year and some of the other boys played for Quorn, so they are a side that we do have some familiarity with.

“What’s going around outside the media is that they are quite heavily fancied.

“It will be great to test ourselves on the opening day, see where we are at and go and put on a show.

“We are ready. That’s the only way we can put it.

“We are keen to get going as we want to show people that we are a good side.”

Vincent said a couple of his players had suffered knocks but declined to name them.

“We have got a couple that are carrying little niggles but nothing serious,” Vincent said.

“That’s why I have got a squad and have brought in some good players to the club.

“We trust them all so whatever side we put out will have no excuses. We are more than looking forward to this match."