Halesowen Town captain reflects on being given the captain's armband at a non-league club ahead of big derby.

Non league, step 3 side, Halesowen Town have had a resurgent rise from relegation to step 4 in 2019 to a play-off spot at step in 2025. 29 year old Josh Smile, the Yeltz captain, joined the club at the start of the 2024/25 season, and in September 2025 was given the captain's armband.

Josh Smile in training | 📸 Steve Evans

An influential figure, Smile has only missed seven games since the start of last season, and manager Russ Penn was key to state the importance of the midfielder. A football club captain even at semi-proffesional level requires full deditcation but also to be themselves. "You can lead in so many ways, and the most important thing it be yourself and enjoy it" is a quote spoken by England captain Harry Kane, and that applies to an trying to apply their trade in this role.

The Yeltz captain, Smile, spoke honestly when explaining his role as captain, and the squad's expectations for the season as he gets ready to wear the armband for Halesowen vs Stourbridge, one of the big non-league derbies.

"Honestly, it is not something I think about too much. I find it a great honour to be chosen to be the ‘leader’ for such a great club with a huge fanbase. The position of a captain brings a lot of responsibility, to bring people’s morale up in defeat, stand up when others are looking for guidance. I enjoy it. I take it in my stride being one of the oldest lads in the group and hope the example I am setting is a good one for the boys to push on from where we are the moment.” 

“The games are coming quick and fast. We must be ready for anything and everything that is thrown at us. We are working hard in training and feel ready to get the best out of a full squad, which we have at the minute. The group and staff know what we want, but all we need is a bit of consistency and I think our targets are achievable.” 

“The fans honestly are the gold standard, not just home games but also the away games. We have seen in some tough games particularly at the start of the season when we were conceding early that they are the 12th man and can carry us over the line to big victories and much needed points to build our confidence."