The Aces already have a new coach for the coming season and now they have a new captain with the announcement that Gareth Hopkins will captain the side for the 2009/10 season.
Hopkins has played for Auckland for the last two seasons after a long stint with Otago, and the wicket-keeper batsman has performed superbly with both the bat and behind the stumps in that time.
Hopkins commented, "It's a real honour and a thrill to be given the captaincy. It's a role I've always been keen to tackle and I feel that it's an exciting time for Auckland with the new coaching structure and number of great young players we have coming through."
"I think we've got the makings of a great team and we've obviously got expectations to live up to after taking out the State Championship last season."
Hopkins takes over from the successful tenure of Richard Jones who will be back for another year after a successful 2008/09 season.
"Jonesy (Richard Jones) has done a great job over the last few seasons and I want to pick up from that and take us to a new level. I'm looking forward to working with our new coach Paul Strang to make it a season to remember."
Auckland Cricket CEO Andrew Eade echoed Hopkins enthusiasm.
"We're delighted to announce Gareth as captain of the Aces and feel that he'll bring something very special to the role. He has been an integral member of the side since his arrival two seasons ago and we think he certainly has all the qualities necessary to do a great job."
"I'd also like to pay tribute to the job that Richard Jones has done - three titles in four seasons is a great record and it will be invaluable for Gareth to continue to have that support and experience around him this season."
Hopkins is currently in Holland playing cricket but will return for the Aces pre-season programme in September.
Hopkins has played for Auckland for the last two seasons after a long stint with Otago, and the wicket-keeper batsman has performed superbly with both the bat and behind the stumps in that time.
Hopkins commented, "It's a real honour and a thrill to be given the captaincy. It's a role I've always been keen to tackle and I feel that it's an exciting time for Auckland with the new coaching structure and number of great young players we have coming through."
"I think we've got the makings of a great team and we've obviously got expectations to live up to after taking out the State Championship last season."
Hopkins takes over from the successful tenure of Richard Jones who will be back for another year after a successful 2008/09 season.
"Jonesy (Richard Jones) has done a great job over the last few seasons and I want to pick up from that and take us to a new level. I'm looking forward to working with our new coach Paul Strang to make it a season to remember."
Auckland Cricket CEO Andrew Eade echoed Hopkins enthusiasm.
"We're delighted to announce Gareth as captain of the Aces and feel that he'll bring something very special to the role. He has been an integral member of the side since his arrival two seasons ago and we think he certainly has all the qualities necessary to do a great job."
"I'd also like to pay tribute to the job that Richard Jones has done - three titles in four seasons is a great record and it will be invaluable for Gareth to continue to have that support and experience around him this season."
Hopkins is currently in Holland playing cricket but will return for the Aces pre-season programme in September.
