New skipper Marcus Bailey is the right man to take Battersea Ironsides to the next level, says the man he is replacing.

After two years, Colin O’Keeffe is stepping down and handing over the reins to last season’s vice-captain Bailey.

Under O’Keeffe, the Ironsides have reached the London leagues for the first time in the club’s history, and they also graced Twickenham last season to win the National Junior Vase.

It may be a hard act to follow, but O’Keeffe is adamant he has the right man.

“Marcus knows how things were run when I was captain and I know how capable he is,” he said.

“Apart from being an incredibly talented hooker on the field, he is a very astute 21-year-old with natural leadership abilities.

“I have no fear whatsoever of handing the captaincy over to him – he will potentially have it for a long time.”

He added: “There were a few guys who showed potential, but he was my number one. Everyone knows his club colours are red, white and green.”

Despite the meteoric rise over the past couple of seasons, the Ironsides are thinking more stability this time round.

O’Keeffe said: “We’re hoping to consolidate this season, that’s the priority.

“Finishing in the top half of the table would be nice, and we think that top four is realistic.

“But to achieve that we have to produce like we did last year.”

The Ironsides new campaign in London Division Three South West kicks off on September 19 at home to Farnham.