Chris Porter, the only Colchester United player over the age of 30, will captain the League One club for the 2015-16 season.

Manager Tony Humes unveiled Porter as the U’s new skipper on Tuesday night, following the 1-0 win over a West Ham XI in a pre-season friendly.

Ex-Sheffield United striker Porter, who signed for the U’s from Bramall Lane last January, was a key figure in plotting the dramatic late escape from relegation during the closing weeks of last season.

Former skipper, David Fox, left the Essex club at the end of the season, and has since signed for League One rivals Crewe Alexandra.

Manager Humes confirmed: “Chris (Porter) is going to be the club captain for the season.

“He is our most experienced player. We’ve asked him to take on certain responsibilities within the dressing room, and he has done that very well.

“He’s a very good pro, and the younger players look up to him.

“Chris is therefore going to be the skipper, with Alex Gilbey as the vice-captain.

“We asked Chris to work with David Fox when he was captain last season, and he worked very well with him. We looked at that and have asked Chris to carry that on.

“Chris has been great for us, and he’s been a credit during the six months that he has been here.

“Alex is one of our own, and we’ve always looked at him to take on that extra responsibility coming through the Academy.

“We want Alex to progress and become a more responsible player on the field. He has those leadership qualities.

“We also have other experience in the side with Joe Edwards (summer signing), whose been a captain before (at Yeovil), and when George Elokobi comes into the team.

“That should make us stronger,” added Humes.

Porter, aged 31, scored seven goals in 21 senior appearances at the back end of last season. He has chalked up more than 400 appearnces during his career.

Meanwhile, the U’s take on Leyton Orient in their next pre-season friendly, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Saturday.

Keeper Sam Walker, who is yet to feature this pre-season due to a knee injury incurred during the closing weeks of last season, is hoping to play against the O’s.

However, summer signing Elokobi is still a couple of weeks away from making an appearance, due to a sore calf, so he could be a doubt for the season opener at home to Blackpool on August 8.