David Bracewell admitted he has stood down as captain of Enfield for the sake of his own sanity.

The bowler has been the skipper on and off at Dill Hall Lane since 2000.

But, although he still intends to play, he said he had had enough of being captain.

"I had stopped enjoying it," said the 30-year-old. "I was getting down after games and sulking and not giving my young daughter enough attention.

"It had got to a point where I was struggling to motivate myself never mind lead a side and I think everyone was used to my voice and we need some fresh ideas.

"I was talking to Mas Ahmed and Andy Barker and they said that three or four years is enough to be captain and I am in my sixth full season.

"I have had some good times here as captain - we won the Twenty20 cup in 2007, got to the Inter League final in 2006 and got to the Worsley Cup semi-final too.

"The team has also changed completely and a new team has built up over the years and we have some good young players coming through.

"I have done it for a long time, I have a young family and I think it is just time for a change."

Bracewell hopes relinqishing the responsibility will improve his game which he feels has suffered in the last few seasons.

He said: "When I was captain at first I had my best ever season with almost 50 wickets and 200 runs but I have been bowling less and less.

"I have been giving others a go and now it is up to someone else to decide if they want me to bowl and I am happy with that.

"It was a tough call as it is such an honour to be captain of the club but it needs a new enthusiastic person now and I think the committee will decide who next week."

Liam Jackson has been standing in and Adam Bracewell did double up as captain and professional before injuring his groin.

He is missing this weekend as he recovers but former pro Gary¿Brent filled in last weekend as Enfield saw off the challenge of rivals Accrington and will be there again tomorrow against another of their local rivals Rishton.

"Having Gary back has given everyone a lift," said David.

"He has great experience and hopefully now we can move up the league under someone else’s leadership."