Crawley are exploring all their options before deciding who will lead their assault on the Blue Square premier play-offs.

Midfielder Simon Weatherstone became Reds’ third different captain in pre-season in Tuesday’s 6-1 win over Spurs in what was his first appearance for the club after recovering from a thigh injury.

Assistant boss Paul Raynor would not say who will lead the side against an Arsenal XI at Broadfield Stadium tomorrow.

But if Weatherstone is wearing the armband it will be the clearest indication yet that the 28-year-old, who captained Weymouth last season, will lead Reds out in the league opener against York City on August 9.

Raynor said: “Simon’s been a skipper at pretty much every club he’s been.

“He’s a natural leader in the dressing room and is another candidate but we have got a number of people in mind to captain the side.”

Defender Chris Giles skippered the side in the opening friendly against Crystal Palace while French midfielder Thomas Pinault got the nod last Saturday in the goalless draw with Ross County.

Raynor added: “There are a lot of things to consider. You need to look to see how they interact with other players in the dressing room, whether they have the ear of the management and if they raise their game with the armband on.

“Thomas certainly did against Ross County – he was a different type of skipper who loved the responsibility. I think he went out with the armband on when the lads relaxed after the game!

“It is an important role and we’ve got some tremendous candidates.”

Weatherstone made an accomplished debut in the centre of midfield before being replaced in the second half as he regains fitness after a thigh problem.

“It was a real coup when we managed to sign Simon,” added Raynor. “He has won the Conference before with Boston and was a fantastic skipper at Weymouth last year. The quality we have in the centre of midfield means it is going to be a real fight for positions there.

“As well as Simon we have Thomas Pinault, who was outstanding last year and has started this season really well, and Dannie Bulman, who was player of the season last year coming off the bench against Spurs. We wanted to add competition for places in there and we have certainly done that.”

Isaiah Rankin, who celebrated signing a one-year contract with the opener against Spurs, will lead the line against the Gunners, where he started his professional career under Arsene Wenger 12 years ago.

And striker Steve Fletcher could be involved for the first time since his summer move as he recovers from a twisted ankle.

Raynor added: “He’s not far away, there is a possibility he could be involved. But there is no point rushing people at this stage if you are not quite right. We don’t get any prizes for him playing in a friendly and aggravating the injury. He will only play when he is 100 per cent but there has certainly been some improvement this week.”

Reds’ rebuilding is almost complete, although boss Steve Evans is hoping to plunder the loan market to bring in one or possibly two new faces before the big kick-off.

But he has decided not to pursue his interest in midfielder Miles Coop, who was a second-half substitute against Ross County.

Crawley (from): Rayner, Wilson, Wright, Thomas, Giles, Weatherstone, Forrest, Rankin, Cook, Pinault, Killeen, Bulman, Stevens, Rents, Carterm Morgan, Nayee.

Who do you think should get the armband?