Miller: Hayes & I will work well together as captains

CLUB captain Alan Miller thinks he will work well with first team skipper Tommy Hayes at Exeter Chiefs next season.

The pair were confirmed as Rich Baxter's successors as Sandy Park skippers this week.

While Hayes will be in charge out on the pitch, Miller will take a leading role behind the scenes.

It is the first time the Chiefs have had two captains to carry out the different responsibilities but follows the model Leeds used on their way to National League One glory last term.

Miller thinks the captains will be able to forge a useful link with manager Rob Cowling, head coach Rob Baxter and backs coach Ali Hepher.

"I haven't sat down with Tommy yet but it's a work in progress," said Miller. "It's a new thing at the club to have two captains.

"Obviously Hayesy will be doing a lot of the on-field captaincy on match days and I'm going to be more of a link between the players and coaches.

"It will be interesting to see how it goes because we've never had it here before and we don't know what to expect.

"I'm pretty sure that between me, Hayesy, Robin, Rob, Ali and all the coaches we'll sort it out and it will run smoothly throughout the season."

Miller thinks he will be able to help Hayes point the players in the right direction next season.

As long as they do that, the flanker thinks Exeter can have a successful season in the Championship.

"We like to think of ourselves as hard workers, like all players do," he said.

"I'm sure Rob (Baxter) will be looking for me and Tommy to set an example, which we will do on and off the field.

"Tommy especially is an exceptional bloke, he's a great character and when he speaks people listen.

"As long as that carries through on the pitch and in training we'll have a very good year."

Miller has been at the club since 2003 and has gone on to make 128 appearances for the Chiefs. He made his debut when Rob Baxter was captain and has since played under Sam Blythe's and Rich Baxter's leadership.

The former England schools openside, who has led Exeter's second string in the past, said he will not feel under any extra pressure from his added responsibilities next season.

"I've captained a few United games and I've captained a few times when Richie has been off the pitch and previously under Sam and Robbie," he said.

"It's not really much of an issue for me, it won't be in the back of my mind on the pitch.

"We've got natural leaders in the side and everyone's leadership will come through towards the end of a game when we have to dig deep."

Miller said he was taken aback when Rob Baxter called him into his office to ask him to be club captain.

He was expecting Hayes to be named first team skipper and had no idea there would be two appointments.

"I was a bit surprised at first," he said. "I knew Richie might be stepping down at the end of the year but I didn't know they were going to announce two captains.

"Tommy Hayes was the prime candidate, he's been the stand-out leader at the club for the last year in his first season and that's carried through into this pre-season.

"It came as a bit of a shock but I'm happy to take it on."