Loyal servant Alan Pallister has been handed the ultimate accolade in his Testimonial season - the captaincy of York Wasps.

Coach Lee Crooks has entrusted the responsibility to 'Palli' as a result of the hooker's influential role during the summer training programme.

His vice-captain will be experienced half-back Gareth Stephens who joined the Wasps in August.

Pallister, who turns 30 the day after the season's opening match against Doncaster Dragons on December 3, has had several stints as skipper in recent seasons, including the closing period of the last campaign.

But Crooks had an open mind when he took over as coach in August.

"I didn't have anyone in mind because I wanted to see who had the credentials to captain the club and Alan has showed all those credentials during pre-season training," said the York boss.

"He's a good leader, he talks to people, the players respect him and he has good knowledge. He's a York lad through and through and someone I can rely on. He's a fitting captain."

Pallister has assisted with training during pre-season training as Grant Anderson, who was originally named as Crooks' right-hand man, has been unable to commit to the job.

Like Crooks, the former Halifax and Castleford ace runs a pub and has found those commitments occupying most of his time.

Crooks explained: "His pub is getting very busy and he has been struggling to dedicate enough time. I need someone I can rely on so Grant has decided to decline the coaching job."

He is now talking to a number of potential replacements, all outside the current Huntington Stadium set-up, and an appointment is expected in the next couple of weeks.

Of more immediate concern is the absence of a physio following the departure of Dave May. The job has been advertised but so far it has not produced a suitable candidate. "It is proving more difficult than we anticipated," said Crooks. "We have not had any major injuries yet, just a couple of niggles, but we need to get somebody soon."

The Wasps are hoping to make a couple of additions to the playing squad.

Crooks is in negotiations with Hull chief executive Shane Richardson about taking a couple of their fringe first teamers on loan.

The rest of the squad have been working hard in training and Crooks has been impressed with their progress.

"I'm pleased with the way things have gone. There's been a big improvement in skills and fitness over the last four or five weeks. It's four weeks before the first game and everyone's chomping at the bit, none more so than me."