Darryl McHardy is the new captain at Elgin City
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BEING made Elgin City captain has given Darryl McHardy great pride and belief – and an aim to improve his discipline.
City manager Gavin Price revealed McHardy as his choice to skipper the team and take over the armband from the retiring Jon-Paul McGovern.
The 23-year-old, who made his 200th appearance for his hometown club in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Edinburgh City, may not be able to lead the team out at Borough Briggs for their final game this weekend due to his greatest flaw - a woeful disciplinary record.
“I think I’ve had at least 20 bookings this season and that’s ridiculous,” McHardy admitted.
“I express my feelings a bit too much towards the referees and I think they all know who I am now.”
The goalscoring defender is one caution away from earning a three-game ban at the start of next season and may not be risked against Berwick Rangers.
“That has to change next season with me being captain, I will have to calm down and talk to them in a nicer way,” he said.
“It’s always been the dream to captain Elgin. I did captain the team for about 12 games a few years ago, until a stupid thing when I got involved in a bit of trouble.
“To get it back is great and hopefully I can take the team forward.”
McHardy’s previous spell as skipper ended with a court restriction of liberty order which restricted his appearances for the club at matches and training.
Boss Price has been impressed by the way he has knuckled down since and shown his qualities.
“I think he’s turned a corner this year in terms of performances and his application on the training field,” he said.
“It’s quite obvious to the supporters that he wears his heart on his sleeve and playing for Elgin means something to him. It’s important for us to have that identity with a local guy captaining the club who has got a bit of passion.”
