JAMIE Folan admits that he would like to captain Basingstoke one day – but for now the young hooker is happy to concentrate on playing.

The 20-year-old led ’Stoke’s academy to Hampshire Colts Cup glory in 2006 and has the qualities needed to be a successful captain but is fully behind current captain Neil Young and does not see himself taking on the role for a few years.

“I would like to think that I would be captain one day but there are a few players at the club who could do it in a few years’ time,” he said. “One day maybe but I’m happy to concentrate on playing for the time being.

“Neil Young is doing a good job and I am not looking to push him out. I hope he stays on as captain.”

Basingstoke sit at the top of the London two south table and know that they will be promoted as champions if they can win their final three games. A home match against Gravesend, who beat ’Stoke 11-6 on the opening day of the season, is the next challenge – and Folan is out for payback.

“It is a chance to get revenge,” he said. “It was a tough game down there and a bit niggly.

“They had just come up and we had just gone down so they wanted to knock us down and they did it. It would be good to get back at them.”

Saturday’s game at Down Grange could and should prove to be the biggest hurdle standing between Basingstoke and the title as their other remaining games are against teams struggling near the bottom of the table.

“Gravesend is the big game that we have left,” Folan continued. “They proved to be difficult opponents when we played them, have done well this season and it will be a big test but we have home advantage and hope to make that count.

“To be three wins away from promotion is great. Promotion is something that we all hoped would be possible and it was the aim so it has been a brilliant year.

“Everyone knew we were good enough to go straight back up, it was just a case of putting together a game plan. We have done that and it has got us to the top of the league. Now we just have to finish the job”

’Stoke’s form this season has been a lot different to the previous campaign, when many of the same players were part of a side relegated from London one.

“It is a lot more enjoyable this year,” Folan added. “There is a great spirit in the squad and the emphasis on training is a bit different to last year.

“You get that confidence when you are winning. We were losing every week last year and it’s hard to build a winning team when that is happening.”

While Folan has been involved in the first team for the last couple of seasons, this is the first where he has been the first choice hooker.

One of Basingstoke’s strengths this season have been set-pieces and especially at the lineout, an area where Folan, as the thrower, has a key role to play.

“I did a lot of work on my lineout throwing with the coaches over the summer and while there have been a couple of games where something has not been quite right, apart from that it has been really good,” he said.

“We have done pretty well in the set-piece and that does make me proud but having the same eight forwards on the pitch every week is a big help.

“You get to know who you are throwing to and what their strengths are where the last couple of years it has been different every week, meaning you had to adjust. Consistency makes it easier.”

The scrum is an area where Folan acknowledges that he is still learning but he says he has benefited enormously from playing alongside Neil Young and Steve Collins.

“The scrum is always a difficult area for a younger player but playing next to Neil Young and Steve Collins, a couple of older heads, has really helped,” he said. “They have been very supportive.

“This is the first season where I have been the first choice hooker and I would like to say that I am there on my performances. I have had some good games and have been pleased with the way I have been playing.”