Blair named Edinburgh captain for new season

After being handed the armband for his country during the RBS 6 Nations, Blair led Scotland to a Calcutta Cup triumph over England and went onto skipper the national side to a historic summer Test win in Argentina last month.

As a result, Edinburgh head coach Andy Robinson has reshuffled the leadership structure at the club with Hogg being appointed vice captain for the 2008/2009 campaign while Simon Cross retains his position as club captain.

Ex-vice captain Blair paid tribute to Hogg and says the back rower will still have a key role to play in on-field decision making; similar to the working relationship they have cultivated together while playing for Scotland.

Blair said: "I am looking forward to continuing the great job that Hoggy (Allister Hogg) did last season.

"During the tour in Argentina with Scotland, Hoggy was pack leader and I thought he did an outstanding job there. I really enjoyed working with him in that sense.

"Hopefully we can continue working well together for Edinburgh while drawing on the experience of the other senior players within the squad.

"We've got a good leadership structure with Simon (Cross) as club captain as well.

"We've all got our different roles that we are in charge of and there are other players within the squad who have got to lead as well."

Robinson admits the appointment was a logical decision after watching Blair flourish as Scotland captain and says that every successful team he has worked with - Bath and England - has enjoyed the presence of several great leaders in their ranks.

Robinson said: "I think Mike has done a very good job as captain of Scotland and it is an opportunity for him to build on that by leading Edinburgh next season.

"He has been an outstanding player for Edinburgh and he has performed well whenever he has led the side.

"The key factor behind every successful team is that you need leaders all over the pitch and that is something we are developing here at Edinburgh.

"It is important to have leaders throughout and I would like to pay tribute to Ally, who I thought captained the side well last year.

"During Scotland's win in Argentina, Mike was captain and Ally was vice-captain and that combination worked well. Mike, Ally and Simon (Cross) are all improving as leaders and that aspect is very pleasing."

Hogg admits he did not want to relinquish his captain's duties, but endorses the decision and believes he will still have a major leadership role to play at Edinburgh.

Hogg said: "Naturally I'm disappointed not to be captain for next season, but I fully support the decision and I will back Mike all the way.

"Mike has been a good captain for Scotland and I will still have a big role to play as vice captain and I'm looking forward to still having an influence on the team.

"I'm going to be in charge of the forwards and I'm pleased to keep that role."

Meanwhile, Cross, whose duties as club captain include attending events on behalf of Edinburgh, has been a tremendous ambassador for the team and announced he was thrilled to continue in that role.

Cross said: "When I was appointed club captain last summer it was the highlight of my career so far and I'm delighted that Andy has asked me to continue in that role.

"It is a role that I enjoy and I look forward to working with Mike and Allister - it is a very good leadership group. We have got some very good senior players who will add to that as we continue moving forward."