Leicester fans have their say on who should be captain in 2023-24 – and it’s (almost) unanimous
We asked our writers who should take the skipper’s armband for big bad year in the Championship. One name stood out above the rest – and he doesn’t actually play for us. Yet…
Professional vibes man Conor Coady seems like the perfect fit to come in and seize the armband. All of the in-house options have question marks about them - Harry Souttar is still quite inexperienced, likewise KDH, and Jamie Vardy clearly has no interest in it or he'd have had it by now.
Plus all of those names are too closely associated with last year's stink. The same goes for the spectre of Jonny Evans coming back in as captain – something I'm prepared to protest outside the ground about if necessary.
A new face is exactly what we need in our situation. Coady has done it before, and was literally picked in the World Cup squad for being a top bloke. He seems the right sort of player to start building bridges between the team and the fans, as well as to actually show, you know, some leadership when we need it.
James Knight
Ultimately, until we know what the squad is, it's hard to pick a captain. I'm sure a few will say Vardy but I feel that's born from wishful thinking, in that by making him captain, the team will suddenly play in his image. Firstly, I don't feel captaincy suits him – he's better off focusing on himself. Also, we've got 46 league games coming up and he'll have done sensationally well to start approaching 50% of them.
Therefore, from the small pool of players left who might be here next season, I think KDH is the standout candidate. Aside from the local lad stuff, I think his position on the pitch, drive to lead by example and willingness to accept responsibility make him captain material. That may change if someone like Conor Coady comes in who's more experienced as leader, but as it stands KDH is my choice for next season.
Iain Wright
The worrying but unsurprising conclusion I came to after around 10 minutes of mulling this over is that nobody stands out.
Unless Maresca has strong opinions about the captain being an established player at the club, we should be signing a player with the leadership qualities to be our next captain.
Last season was evidence enough that we don't have leaders in the team, and following this summer's exodus there will be even fewer potential candidates. I expect some fans will want to see KDH or Souttar take the armband, but I just don't think they have enough influence on and off the pitch. KDH in particular showed his mental fragility a number of times last season, and I can't imagine him rallying the squad when we face inevitable challenges next season.
There have been rumours about us trying to sign Conor Coady, and he's the sort of profile I think we should be looking for to take the armband.
Matt Jedruch
Our two outstanding 21st century captains thus far are of course, Wes Morgan and Kasper Schmeichel. What made them outstanding? They were rarely injured, certainties for selection in the starting XI, commendably professional on and off the pitch, and in tough times they showed resilience and positive determination to turn things around.
They stood up in important matches, often affecting the outcome. They understood the ambitions and expectations of supporters; they were at one (mostly) with their managers.
Given that we have a new manager and are awaiting a new squad for a new league, it’s a tad early to say who should be the captain. But it shouldn’t be anyone associated with the 2022-23 debacle and if Conor Coady does join us, he would be a formidable candidate.
Andrew Smith
Harry Souttar as captain for me. We need strong leadership from the back. His experience at Stoke will also help us in the Championship.
Adam Hodges
About an hour ago I was completely aboard the KDH train. Not only is he combative, but it’s not hard to tell that he is genuinely bothered – two qualities that we’re going to need to see in spades if the season is to be a success.
But, in the light of the latest transfer news, sign me up for Conor Coady. To be honest, I would consider that to be a bit of a coup if we got him, and I would want to see a player like that straight in as captain. Experienced, passionate and a genuinely likeable bloke – just need him to sign first…
Jamie Thorpe
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