SUSPENDED York City defender Mark Hotte is determined to prove manager Billy McEwan did not make a mistake by handing him the captain's armband.

Hotte feels he let McEwan, City supporters and his team-mates down when he was red-carded at Grays Athletic on Saturday for two bookable offences.

His second caution led to the home team snatching a last-gasp point from the penalty spot and means Hotte misses tonight's home clash with Woking (7.45pm).

But the former Scarborough centre back is vowing to lead by example as City skipper.

He said: "I'm absolutely gutted to be missing tonight's match. The gaffer made me captain and I feel I have let everyone down but you can only learn.

"I feel really privileged to be the captain of York City and really enjoy the role. The gaffer has given me a big responsibility and I hope I get the opportunity to repay his faith when my suspension is over."

Hotte is hoping for a swift return to City's starting line-up for the Sky-televised clash at Halifax Town on Bank Holiday Monday but does not want the reason for any recall to be based on the team struggling in his absence.

He said: "I want the lads to do the best they possibly can without me. Hopefully I will get back in but if I don't, and the reason is because the team has played well, then that's just the way it is. My first thought is for the team.

"What I do know is I'm a terrible watcher and, although I'm in the stands, I won't be sitting down much. I will be on my feet wanting to kick every ball."

Hotte had few complaints about his first yellow card at Grays for a late challenge but felt that the penalty decision given for a foul on Jamie Slabber was dubious, saying: "It was shoulder-to-shoulder contact and he went down quite easily.

"I felt it was a bit harsh but we did not get many decisions in the second half. I was devastated because the lads had worked so hard for the 1-0 lead.

"They all told me the penalty was harsh but we had to travel all that way back knowing we should have taken two more points."

Former Worksop Town defender James Dudgeon could make his debut in place of Hotte, having returned to training this week after an ankle injury.

Nathan Peat might also shift from left-back to the centre and Hotte believes both players would prove adequate replacements.

He said: "I don't see why James Dudgeon shouldn't just slot in for us because he had a few games in pre-season and did well. Nathan Peat has also played there before so he should also do a good job."

As well as being skipper, Hotte is also the club's oldest player and admits that it is a bit unusual to be in such a position of seniority at the age of 26, saying: "That is a bit stranger than being made captain as, at other clubs, I would expect to be still squeezing into the young side when you play youngsters v older players in training.

"I think it helps that we are a similar age though because we have got a lot in common and that is good for team spirit."

Updated: 11:08 Friday, August 26, 2005