BRAINTREE Cricket Club will have a new captain to guide their attempt to return to the top flight of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship next year.

Will Jackson has confirmed that he will be stepping down from the role after three years at the helm.

He said it was a decision unrelated to the fact that the team had been relegated from division one this year, but he felt the time was right to stand aside.

“I’ve decided to step down as I feel I can do more with the bat and ball not being captain,” he said.

“It’s a demanding role and with the time I spent as vice-captain before, I’ve had four to five years in a leadership role, however, I’m now planning to take us back to division one as part of the ranks.”

While 2017 has been disappointing in terms of results for Braintree, whose final game of the campaign - against new champions Elmstead - was abandoned due to rain, Jackson feels the future can be bright.

He added: “We have not played to our potential and it has been a tough season.

“The things that went our way last year and got us the right side of results did not go our way this year, but there are positives.

“The performances of our young players has been one and seeing them step up has been good.

“They have done a good job and that fills us with confidence.

“The club is in good shape.

“Next season, I think the core of the players will remain and I don’t envisage anyone leaving so we should have a good base to build from and plan our ascent back into division one.”