DOUGIE IMRIE has been the Hamilton captain in everything but name for the past three seasons but now he has been given the armband officially for the new campaign.

With Mikey Devlin out until the turn of the year with a knee injury. Imrie was the obvious choice for the job and he has already made his mark on new signings Xavier Tomas and Ryan Fulton.

The 33-year-old attacker plays with his heart on his sleeve and he demands the same passion and commitment from those around him.

Martin Canning, the manager, said: “Mikey will remain the club captain but Dougie will be the team captain this season. Dougie is a captain anyway in terms of leading by example and his work rate. Now he has a bit more responsibility in terms of helping players. I’m sure it is something he will thrive on.”

Following the loss of Devlin, who suffered cruciate ligament damage in May, Canning made the move to bring in giant French centre-back Xavier Tomas who is poised to make his debut in tomorrow’s Betfred Cup tie against Queen of the South.

Fulton is also set to get his first start after leaving Liverpool where he had come through the youth system.

Canning said: “Xavier is someone we have been looking at for a few weeks. I have watched a lot of his games and when I met him for a bit of lunch I liked him as a person as well. He is a big, dominant centre-half and is exactly what we needed.”

Canning initially thought he would sign Fulton on loan but he was pleased to be able to negotiate his release to sign him permanently.

He said: “I’m excited to get him in.”