YORK City Ladies have appointed Ocean Rolandsen as their new captain for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
The defender will replace club legend Nikki Brown, who announced her retirement at the end of last season after 10 years with York.
Rolandsen joined the Minsterbelles last season after previous spells at Chelsea, Hearts, Watford and Sheffield United, playing an integral role as they narrowly avoided relegation from the FA Women’s National League Division One North.
Speaking on her appointment, the defender could not hide her immense pride at being named captain.
She enthused: “To come in at the back end of last season, enjoy myself and have Chris [Holloway, manager] put his trust in me, it’s just been absolutely amazing.
“I’m over the moon that he’s appointed me as captain this season.
“[Nikki] has been a massive player at York City for so many years, so there always is going to be some pressure to take over from someone who has been a legend at the club.
“But hopefully I can take on the position that she has left for me and do her proud, but also the club.”
Brown signed off her Minsterbelles career with a 10-0 rout over Thornaby Women in the Interior Design Women’s County Cup final at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium in mid-May.
And she has no doubt that Rolandsen will excel in the role in her footsteps.
“It has been such a privilege captaining the team for the last few seasons, but it was time to retire and become a fan instead,” explained the City Ladies legend.
“Ocean joined the team last year and made a massive impact for us and fitted straight into the club. It’s fantastic to have a player like Ocean on our side.
“Ocean will be a fantastic captain for the club and she has already proven to be a leader on the pitch and experienced voice in the dressing room.”
Proud to be named captain for @YorkCityLFC for the 24/25 campaign.
— oceanrolandsen (@oceanrolandsenn) July 25, 2024
Nikki will always be respected as the club captain & I am grateful to have played alongside her.
We have a big season ahead of us and I’m excited to do it with the incredible team and staff at the club ❤️ https://t.co/qhmFFCCCmp
The Minsterbelles will begin their pre-season at home to Rotherham United at the York Sport Stadium on Sunday (2pm), before hosting Harrogate Town (August 1, 8pm), Salford City (August 4, 2pm) and Newcastle United (August 11, 2pm).
They host Chorley in their FA Women’s National League Division One North season opener on August 18.
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