Town defender Tommy Smith has been named the new permanent vice-captain of New Zealand with West Ham’s Winston Reid having been handed the armband in the wake of previous skipper Ryan Nelsen’s retirement.
Smith, 22, was one of a number of All Whites players in the running for the captaincy having deputised in the absence of Nelsen and Reid on a number of occasions over the last year.
Coach Ricki Herbert paid tribute to Smith: "I think Tommy did a great job during a difficult time through the OFC Nations Cup when Ryan and Winston weren't available and he will continue in a leadership role and support Winston.”
He explained why he opted to appoint Reid: "We've thought long and hard about this decision.
"Winston plays and at a high level week in and week out and has captained his side in that environment, just as Ryan Nelsen did previously.
"For a young man to have that level of responsibility speaks volumes of his character, especially when you look at his peers in similar roles within the Premier League."
Reid added: "It's a tremendous honour and privilege to captain your country and I’m humbled by the opportunity."
New Zealand take on New Caledonia on Friday in Dunedin and then the Solomon Islands in Honiara on March 26th. Both games are World Cup qualifiers with the All Whites currently top of the group having won all four of their previous games. Smith is set to win his 22nd and 23rd full caps.
Meanwhile, owner Marcus Evans represented Town at a meeting of Championship clubs held at Heathrow yesterday to discuss Premier League solidarity payments.