East Kilbride skipper Chris Millar is relishing the chance to create history with the Lowland League side and add another trophy to his impressive haul.
The former St Johnstone and Morton midfielder won three league titles as a player, winning two with Ton, one with Saints and also helping the Perth club lift the Scottish Cup in 2014.
It is that wealth of experience that has led Kilby gaffer Stevie Aitken to hand him the armband for this season, although his captaincy is yet to be officially announced.
While Millar may be in the twilight years of his career at 38-years-old, his verve for victory and lifting trophies hasn’t diminished and he’s determined to add a title and promotion to his roll of honours when the prizes are handed out at the end of the Lowland League season next April.
Kilby are searching for the promotion that will finally take them into the SPFL and Millar said: “I’m under no illusions what we are up against, but I came here because I want to be part of something and I want to take this club to the next level.
”I want to be playing games and winning things.
“There’s a project here that really excites me and as soon as I met the manager and saw the players he was signing - guys I’ve played with like Lee Millar and Jamie Stevenson - and I know Chris Erskine as well.
”I’ve been really impressed by the standard, it’s been different class.
“I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen here so far. There’s a good blend of youth and experience and I’m enjoying my football and helping the club.
“It’s not been announced and the gaffer hasn’t said anything, but over pre-season I’ve had the armband.
“If it’s the case I’m captain, I’m very proud of that.”
Millar made his competitive debut in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Kilmarnock, where he was reacquainted with his old Saints gaffer Tommy Wright, who is now in charge at Rugby Park.
There were promising signs as Kilby held their own in the first half at K-Park before a quick-fire double after the break for Killie handed them the points in the Premier Sports Cup opener.
And, ahead of their Lowland League curtain-raiser against Celtic B on July 24, Millar believes it bodes well for their title bid.
He added: “It’s a learning curve for a few of the boys, but I thought for parts of the game we were well in it.
“They penned us back a bit but the two goals have come from us giving the ball away in the middle of the park.
“That’s part of football; making mistakes and learning.
“I won’t criticise any of the boys for trying to do the right things, trying to pass it.
“I thought it was a good game and what I liked about us was that we never chucked it.
“We did what the manager wanted us to do, taking the ball and keep being positive.
“For me, if we show that level of consistency and running going into our league games I think we’ll do well.”
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