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Neto named new Cherries captain

AFC Bournemouth head coach Gary O'Neil has confirmed goalkeeper Neto has been appointed club captain. 

The 33-year-old shot stopper wore the armband for the first time against Brighton & Hove Albion and O'Neil has revealed he'll continue to skipper the side. 

Speaking to the media, he said: “Neto will be our new club captain, Adam Smith will remain as vice-captain in his role he’s already had.

"I just feel Nets is an impressive person on and off the pitch, he’s got some real leadership qualities and since he’s come, I’ve been really impressed with how he is in and around the group.

“I feel Neto has some real good qualities that we’d be silly not to tap into. Especially with the transfer window and the players we've recruited, I think it will benefit us."

O'Neil took the time to comment on Lloyd Kelly, who has fulfilled the role of captain since January 2022 and praised him for the way he's led the group in that time.

He added: “It’s important to talk about Lloyd and how well he did in the role for a young lad, a young centre-back who played a huge part in the success of the football club last season.

“This season has obviously been a little bit tricky injury-wise and I think it is important for Lloyd that we get him back to where he was."