PETER Fear has been appointed Oxford United's new captain.

The 26-year-old midfielder will lead out the U's today in their opening Nationwide League Division 2 game against Peterborough United at the Manor Ground.

The decision to make the former Wimbledon player skipper in succession to Les Robinson, who joined Mansfield Town this summer has surprised many United fans, who thought the armband would go to new signing Ian McGuckin.

Manager Denis Smith said: "Ian was one of the favourites and he would probably have been my choice.

"But I've talked it over with my coaching staff and we feel he's got to come in and settle in, and get himself playing and performing consistently again.

"Peter has been here and knows everything. He can play, and we have probably seen a different Peter Fear in pre-season. He's not missed a day's training, has worked his socks off and I believe he has a lot of respect from the players around him.

"I've had a long chat with him and told him what I expect of him, not just on the pitch but with his off-the-field behaviour.

"As the captain, he needs to be setting an example and set certain standards.

"You also need someone who is a character and he's certainly that. And he's absolutely delighted to be chosen. He has now got to take it on the next step and show what a great player he should have been.

"He has never produced at league level what he threatened to do as a lad. But now he has the extra responsibilty to go and do it."

Fear, who played three times for England Under 21s, was looking forward to leading the side out.

"Obviously there will be a little bit more responsibilty, but I won't be doing anything drastically different," he said.

"I like to be a bit a bubbly around the changing room, but I will try and get the players going as much as I can. So hopefully, we can get everyone relaxed and go out and play football."

United's new kit arrived in the nick of time yesterday. The replica kit should be available by mid-September.