NEWPORT County AFC have appointed Aaron Wildig and James Clarke as co-captains for the upcoming League Two season.

Midfielder Wildig has worn the armband throughout pre-season and the 32-year-old will be on-field skipper for the coming campaign.

The former Morecambe captain will lead the Exiles out in the opener at Cheltenham on Saturday.

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He will be backed up by fellow veteran Clarke with the 34-year-old central defender, who will hope to be at the heart of the defence at Whaddon Road, managing the responsibilities away from the action.

County needed a new skipper after the departure of Ryan Delaney to League Two rivals Swindon and head coach Nelson Jardim has opted to double up.

LEADER: County captain Aaron WildigLEADER: County captain Aaron Wildig (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency)

“I’m really pleased to announce Aaron and James as captains this season,” said the boss, who replaced manager Graham Coughlan last month.

“I couldn’t ask for two better characters to help me both on and off the pitch going into the new season.

“They’ve got the experience and they have got the values that I want at this football club.

“Both players have been great over pre-season by welcoming the new lads in and are always available to help players who need support.”

Wildig and Clarke are the only two squad members in their 30s with 29-year-old goalkeeper Nick Townsend the next oldest.

Wilding was the only player to sign a contract extension at County this summer to enter a third campaign at Rodney Parade.

The experienced midfielder from Hereford, who started his career at Cardiff and joined from Morecambe, has made 73 outings for the club.

Clarke is the outfield player in the squad with the most County appearances after racking up 96 since arriving from Walsall in 2021, 32 of them last season.

The defender, who partnered Kyle Jameson as starters in the last two friendlies, previously played for Oxford United, Oxford City, Salisbury, Woking, Bristol Rovers and the Saddlers and has passed 500 career appearances.