Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg has confirmed he has not yet chosen a permanent captain for the upcoming Championship season. The admission came after veteran defender Luke Ayling wore the armband in recent pre-season friendlies.
Hellberg spoke about the leadership situation this week, stating no final decision has been made. "I haven't decided anything yet," Hellberg said. "We will see what happens. We lost both Dael and Hayden who were the two captains last season, but there was no stress with that." The manager praised Ayling's professionalism but emphasised there are multiple leaders within the squad.
Who are the captaincy candidates?
Luke Ayling is the most experienced player in the group at 35 years old and has led the team during the summer. His leadership qualities are clear, but his age and the arrival of new signings raise questions about his guaranteed playing time. Other potential candidates include summer signing Aidan Morris, who has quickly established himself as a vocal presence, along with defenders Callum Brittain and Alfie Jones. The manager wants to assess the group's dynamics before making his choice.
Hellberg inherited a shared captaincy model from previous boss Rob Edwards, who preferred promoting multiple leaders. When Hellberg took over in November, he respected that system. Dael Fry and Hayden Hackney, both of whom have since left the club, wore the armband most frequently last term. The current squad's composition is different, requiring a fresh evaluation. You can view the full roster on our squad page.
How does this affect squad planning?
Delaying the captaincy announcement allows Hellberg to observe his players in a competitive environment. The team's first Championship fixture is fast approaching, and establishing a clear leadership structure is part of the final pre-season preparations. The manager's priority is identifying the individual who best represents the team's values and can drive standards on and off the pitch. This decision is separate from but connected to the overall team building, which includes integrating new signings and preparing for the league campaign.
Middlesbrough's preparations continue as they build towards the opening match. The club's activity in the transfer market and pre-season results will all feed into Hellberg's assessment of his leadership group. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on our fixtures list.
What is the recent context at Middlesbrough?
The club is undergoing a period of transition following several key departures. Replacing the leadership and quality of players like Fry and Hackney is a significant task for Hellberg and the recruitment team. The manager has spoken previously about wanting a squad full of players committed to the club's success. His comments on the captaincy reflect a deliberate, unhurried approach to building that culture.
Pre-season is as much about forging team spirit as it is about fitness. Hellberg's willingness to wait suggests he values the right choice over a quick one. The next step will be observing how the suggested candidates perform and lead as the competitive action begins. Supporters can follow the club's progress and position throughout the season via the standings page.
