AT 6ft 7ins, Luke Oliver is in a position of authority anyway. And now the towering Oliver can lead others on the pitch as well as the new captain of Stevenage Boro. The 22-year-old has taken over the captain s armband from fellow centre-half Jason Goodli

AT 6ft 7ins, Luke Oliver is in a position of authority anyway.

And now the towering Oliver can lead others on the pitch as well as the new captain of Stevenage Boro.

The 22-year-old has taken over the captain's armband from fellow centre-half Jason Goodliffe this season.

Goodliffe will assume the role of club captain.

Oliver, who joined Boro last season after spells at Wycombe, Woking and Yeovil, said: "I was delighted to get it, although I was also a bit surprised to be honest.

"I've had no problems with Jason about it. He's top class and always looking to encourage and I'm looking forward to learning from him.

"Myself and the team can't wait for the season to start now.

"We're looking to play football this season and although you need experience in the side, we've also got a lot of young players and our fitness could be a factor."

Boro boss Mark Stimson said: "I've got to know Luke since working with him and he is a fantastic lad. I think he will go a long way in the game if he can just get a little bit more vocal."

Boro were in action on Tuesday night against Conference South new boys Bedford Town.

Jon Nurse scored a hat-trick as the Eagles had their wings clipped in a 3-1 reverse.

Triallist David Hicks - at Hitchin at the end of last season after being released by Northampton - was in the starting line-up.

Adam Miller (penalty) and Nurse again scored to see Boro overturn an early deficit to win 2-1 at another Conference South side, Farnborough, on Saturday.

Boro, who were sending a team to play local rivals Hitchin last night (Wednesday), host Kettering this Sunday (2pm ko) in their final pre-season friendly.

New winger Dale Binns' knee injury will rule him out for the first few weeks of the season.

Stimson added: "Dale has got to see a consultant so it looks as though we will be without him for a month or so. That's a big blow because he has been a massive positive for us in pre-season.