Jason Kerr appointed new club captain

We're delighted to announce that The Manager has appointed Jason Kerr as our new club captain.

22-year-old centre-back Jason has been a first-team regular for the past 18 months since he returned from a loan spell at Queen of the South gaining plaudits from all across the game in Scotland.

The Scotland U21 international succeeds his former defensive partner Joe Shaughnessy who left the club at the end of his contract this summer.

Jason will be supported in his new role with two experienced vice-captains in Liam Craig and Richard Foster.

Speaking to the club's official website shortly after the news broke today, Jason paid tribute to former captains and said he hopes to follow in their footsteps.

"I'm really excited to get started," Jason said.

"I look at Ando, Cuptie and Joe and how they lead by example and that's exactly what I'll be looking to do.

"I learned a lot from Joe last season and had a good relationship from him. He taught me a lot and I thought he was a great captain.

"I'll definitely be leading by example on the pitch and although I'm young I've got a lot of experience under my belt. I've played a lot of games and I feel I've got a lot to bring to the table as captain."

He added: "The manager pulled me to the side and I really wasn't expecting it because Liam and Richard were the captains against Glentoran the other night.

"He told me two years ago that one day I would be captain and although it's come sooner than I expected it's an honour for me."

The Manager also spoke to the official website and said: "A few years ago I spoke to Jason and we mapped out his future.

"We told him if he kept progressing one day he could be captain. He has the full support of the players and staff and I know he's really excited about it.

"I was delighted to give it to him and I think with our two experienced vice captains in Liam Craig and Richard Foster he has players he can lean on for addiitonal support if needed.

"I'm really pleased for Jason and I think it shows just how much the club and how much I think of him."

Tommy added: "He's young in age but not in experience. He's featured regularly for us in the past 18 months and also has experience in the Championship and lower leagues.

"He's done extremely well and age is no barrier to take on the role of captain. I look at McKenna at Aberdeen and how he's thrived off it and I think he'll enjoy it and embrace the role."

Today also saw Liam Craig and Richard Foster appointed vice-captains of the club and both were delighted to accept the role.

Liam said: "At this stage of my career there are not many things I've not seen or experienced in football.

"I'm very happy for Jason and I'll look to help him with everything behind the scenes that you need to do as a captain.

"I'm delighted to be asked to be vice-captain and I'm excited and looking forward to the season ahead."

Richard added: "This is something a bit different for me. I've been here a few years now and as one of the senior players in the squad I'm also one of the more vocal.

"It's a great experience for Jason and I think we can all see the qualities he has as a player.

"It's nice that the manager has asked me to be one of the vice captains and obviously means that he sees me as an important part of his squad."