Richardson was confirmed as the club's new skipper ahead of last weekend's League One game at Scunthorpe United, and he revealed his delight after assuming the armband at the start of his seventh season of first-team football with Leeds.

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The 25-year-old defender – a player generated through United's successful academy – has replaced Jonathan Douglas as captain for the 2008-09 term, and he plans to lead by example at the club where he started his senior career in 2002.

Richardson said: "Being given the captaincy is a fantastic honour.

"I wouldn't say I feel under any pressure as captain because I try to take things in my stride, but I do understand the responsibility it involves. There's a duty to set the right example.

"Good role models are important in football. People have spoken a lot recently about referees and the way they are treated, and the respect aspect of the game is very important for me.

"I do think that players everywhere should be trying to create better role models, on and off the pitch."

Richardson admitted that his appointment last week came as something of a surprise, although McAllister had indicated that he might turn to the full-back in the long term by naming him as captain repeatedly during pre-season.

"It hadn't crossed my mind that I might get it because Dougie's been a fantastic captain for the past two years," Richardson said. "Maybe the gaffer thought that he'd freshen things up and I'm thrilled he's asked me to do it."