DONCASTER captain Reece Lyne says he is ready to listen as well as talk.
The 32-year-old former Super League and England back has been handed the armband by coach Richard Horne, who Lyne played alongside at home-city club Hull before spending eleven years at Wakefield.
This is his second season with the Dons, who won promotion from League One in 2023 and finished eighth in the Championship last time around.
Lyne feels that was an underachievement, and says a play-off place is the target.
“I know the club spoke about consolidating last year, and we did that, but I was a little disappointed with the end result, because I thought we could have made the top six,” he explained.
“There were quite a few narrow defeats, and we have to learn how to change them into wins.
“On paper, we have a good squad with plenty of experience, but we have to go out on the pitch and produce.”
Lyne says he will be setting high standards, and is ready to hand out advice, but will also be open to the opinions of others, including Sam Smeaton, the forward he has succeeded as skipper.
“Sam has spoken to me, which I appreciate, and said he will be there to lean on,” he added.
“He’s one of a number of players who have been around a while, and I think they will all chip in and form a leadership group,” he continued.
“We all know the importance of high standards, and I’ll be leading on that, but I also want to hear what the other lads think about things.”
Horne said: “I felt we needed a bit of a change as we try to take the club forward.
“Reece is one of the senior figures in the group, a top professional who has great experience.
“He is really composed and level-headed in pressure situations, and hopefully that will help in those tight matches.”