A captain's role

Lucas Neill has confessed to 'trying too hard' when being named as West Ham United's latest captain last year.

The 29-year-old full-back succeeded Nigel Reo-Coker as club captain shortly after joining the club from Blackburn in January 2007.

In an interview with whufc.tv, the Australian defender admitted that he took some time to adjust to his new role - but feels that he is finally settling in.

"I know I've still got work to do but I'm trying, trying to be the best I can be at it, trying to be a leader," he said. "I hope I'm doing a good job but I obviously know that I've still got work to do.

"I suppose earlier in the season I was trying too hard, trying to be too much of a captain rather than just a player and letting people follow you naturally.

"It's still a surprise that I got it. It still surprises me now that I'm leading out a talented squad. I'm working it out - but I hope it's the first season of many."

This weekend marks the 15th anniversary of the death of perhaps West Ham United's greatest captain - Bobby Moore, who died on 24th February 1993.

Fittingly West Ham play Moore's only other league club, Fulham this weekend - and Neill admits that he is enormously proud to follow in the great man's footsteps.

"Even now it makes me tingle. It's a great honour," he added. "To be able to put your name on lists with great names such as that [Bobby Moore], is truly remarkable.

"I don't see it as an achievement, I see it as a privilege and an honour."