Ed Martins has been appointed the OHAFC 1st XI Vice-Captain until the end of the season following the news that previous incumbent Fred Richardson would be out of action until the spring with a shoulder injury.

'Reg' was forced to seek medical advice following numerous incidents of his shoulder popping out during matches and other sporting activity and he has now confirmed that he will undergo an operation on it on December 2nd.

The operation should prevent him suffering any long-term damage and allow him to return to competitive football prior to the end of the season. But given his confirmed absence from matches and training for several months, it was thought wise to appoint a new vice-captain to help Ed Poulter with management duties.

Despite travelling up from Southampton each week to play, Ed has not missed a game this season and on Saturday, following Poulter's knee injury, became the last OH player to have played in every minute of every 1's game so far this season.

Given the side's continued constant injury and availability issues, Ed has seen himself played in numerous positons to date, not only during the course of the season but also during the course of individual matches.

His appointment as VC comes at an important time, with Ed Poulter unavailable for Saturday's vital trip to face Forest in a League game the Blues must win if they are to maintain a title challenge into the new year.

Everybody at the club wishes Ed every success in his new role.