Outgoing Coventry City captain Liam Kelly has shared his thoughts on who he believes would be a natural successor for the armband.
Kelly, who has been a significant figure at the club for seven years and took over the captaincy from Michael Doyle in February 2019, is moving on. During his tenure, several players stepped in as captain when Kelly was unavailable due to injury, illness, or selection decisions, with Kyle McFadzean often filling the role.
Since Kelly’s departure from the team in November and subsequent transfer to Blackburn Rovers in January, manager Mark Robins has primarily entrusted Ben Sheaf with the captaincy.
Other players who led the team last season include Joel Latibeaudiere, Matty Godden, and Jamie Allen, while Jake Bidwell, Callum O’Hare, and Josh Eccles also wore the armband following substitutions.
When asked if he thinks 26-year-old Sheaf would be an ideal and natural successor, Kelly affirmed, “Yes, definitely. Ben is a very mature player who has been here a few seasons now, performed really well on the pitch, and is well-liked in the dressing room.”
Despite his endorsement of Sheaf, the veteran midfielder, who is leaving after his contract ended this summer, acknowledges that the decision is not set in stone. He notes that Robins has several viable options for the captaincy.
“There are many mature players in the squad, like Joel (Latibeaudiere), who is experienced despite his young age, and Jake Bidwell, who is an experienced head. There are a lot of leaders within the dressing room. But yes, Ben has done a fantastic job when he’s played as captain.”
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