Monty succeeds Hutch as Mariners skipper

Central Coast Mariners named midfielder Nick Montgomery as captain for the 2015-2016 A-League campaign with his first official engagement coming against a side led by the man he has succeeded - club legend John Hutchinson.

Nick Montgomery wore the captain's armband when John Hutchinson was not on the field during the past A-League season (Getty) Source: Getty Images

Montgomery, 33, joined the Mariners in 2012 and won the Championship in his first season. He is an integral part of the set-up and has played 72 times.

“It’s a great honour to be named Captain. Coming here, Hutch took me in and has looked after me the last couple of years and I’ve got some massive boots to fill,” Montgomery said. 

“I’ve been here for three years now, I’ve lived and breathed the culture of this club and Hutch has been a great leader.”

Montgomery will captain the Mariners against a side fielding a host of Mariners legends returning to the Central Coast for Hutchinson's Testimonial match.

“Taking the man [Hutchinson] down, that’s what I’ll be trying to do this weekend so that will be fun. I’ve played with him for three years but it will be nice to play against him on Saturday,” Montgomery said.

 

“Hopefully I can give the armband the credit it deserves.”

Hutchinson, who will now move into a coaching role after calling time on his playing days, believes Montgomery is the ideal captain.

“For me it’s the best choice. First and foremost he’s a family man and a great leader in the change room,” Hutchinson said.

“You could see when he first came in, you could see how much experience and leadership he brought to the club, he fitted in well with the team culture and the biggest part about Monty is that he’s a team player.

“Nothing’s about him and as a Captain you’ve gotta give everything and that’s what Monty’s about. He’s a great man and he’s the best man for the job."

Coach Tony Walmsley, who also spent time at Sheffield United where Montgomery amassed more than 300 games, was glowing in his praise for Montgomery.

“If you’re looking for a player to lead by Example, Monty is it,” Walmsley said.

“His work ethic is well known, he’s been Captain before at a very big club so he understands the responsibility that goes with it.”