ARDEER Thistle midfielder Marc Wardrope says it is a “massive honour” to be named as club captain following the departure of Michael Howie.

He also added he is ready to help his side progress further up the table, after they have begun to turn their fortunes around.

The Stevenston side had been on a run of seven straight defeats until October 29 when they defeated Glasgow United.

They followed this up a week later with a great win away to Yoker, then last weekend made it three on the bounce with a resounding 3-0 victory at home to Greenock Juniors.

Goals from Robert Frew, an in-form Dylan Stevenson and Thomas Miller secured Sean Kenney’s side full points, moving Ardeer above their opponents, and into ninth place in the Second Division.

Their task was made easier on Saturday when, with the game poised at 0-0, Greenock’s goalkeeper received his marching orders.

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The stopper took down Robert Frew as he bore down on goal - handing Ardeer a spot kick. The away side would be forced to put an outfield player in goals, though they would then save Jack Loudon’s effort, leaving the scores level at half-time.

But this mattered little come full-time, and now Ardeer’s official new captain is ready to kick on.

On being appointed, Wardrope said: “It’s a massive honour to be awarded the captaincy and a huge responsibility but I’ll continue to do what I’ve been doing and lead by example both on and off the park.

“I’m buzzing to be able to lead the boys out every week now and show everyone what we’re capable of.

“There’s definitely a better atmosphere in the changing room to previous weeks because no-one likes to lose, so to have found a bit of form recently feels great, we’re just hoping to kick on now and continue the run.”

While Marc added what he feels has changed to kickstart this run of form.

He commented: “There’s been a few slight changes tactics-wise compared to previous games but the big difference I’ve noticed is that boys are stepping up and taking charge.

“We’re all working hard and battling away to get these results and with the same work ethic and desire we’ve showed in recent weeks I’m hoping we can start to progress further up the league table.”