Huddersfield Town manager Mark Robins faces several tough decisions this summer.

He must select a new set of coaching staff for the new season as well as making some additions to the playing squad as Town look to improve on last season's 17th-placed finish.

Arguably, though, one of Robins' biggest tasks during the close season is picking a successor to the now departed Peter Clarke as the club's captain.

Clarke's five-year spell at Town came to an end after Robins decided not to renew the stalwart's contract and, while it leaves a clear vacancy in central defence, it also opens up the opportunity for someone to seize the captain's armband.

Here are five players who may step into the void.

Alex Smithies

The 24-year-old has thrown his hat into the ring for the position and his public declaration of interest shows he means business.

Smithies was third in command behind Clarke and James Vaughan but, with the latter ruled out for prolonged periods due to injury in 2013/2014, he stood in admirably as skipper and his experience in the role stands him in good stead.

Conversely, Clarke's success as a captain stemmed largely from the fact he operated in the central defensive position.

Goalkeepers can make fantastic captains, look no further than Peter Shilton, Oliver Kahn or Spain's Iker Casillas, but Town's need for a commanding presence may be better suited outfield than in goal.

Anthony Gerrard

A divisive figure amongst the club's supporters, but has experience of playing in defence alongside the man he might hope to replace and fits the mould of a leader.

Town may look to offset the departure of Clarke this summer by drafting in an experienced defender, but Gerrard possesses the vocal skills to succeed in such a role should Robins see fit.

On the flip side, Gerrard's lack of leadership experience in the past may count against him.

He does hold another weapon in the form of cousin Steven, who has lifted numerous trophies as Liverpool captain. Anthony will be hoping it runs in the family.

Jonathan Hogg

The central midfielder may not be the most popular choice for the post and any potential arrivals in midfield could even affect his chances of first-team action.

But Hogg's diligent skill set places him in line as a contender. Tough-tackling, combative and always wearing his heart on his sleeve, the former Watford man certainly possesses the core ingredients required as a captain.

His belligerent edge, however, coupled with doubts over his first-team standing mean Hogg may be considered a slightly less realistic candidate than others.

Adam Clayton

Town's Player of the Season has generated a lot of interest from top Championship clubs after his stellar performances for Town and handing him the captaincy may well prove in the club's best interests.

Clayton will want to challenge himself to reach even loftier targets next term and the responsibility of captaining Town is something he would surely revel in.

Furthermore, dangling the carrot of the captain's armband in front of the talismanic midfielder may help Town to ward off any potential suitors and convince the playmaker his future is at the John Smith's Stadium.

A fully-firing Clayton, buoyed by the armband, could be the key to Town improving on last season's performance.

James Vaughan

The most obvious contender to take over the mantle from Clarke, having acted as the deputy under the defender since switching from Norwich City last summer.

Ultimately, though, Vaughan was unable to entirely prove his credentials as the club's principal leader, with injuries taking their toll and preventing the top scorer from playing a key role in Town's season.

The former Everton frontman will hope to have a bigger influence on the club's performance during 2014/2015 and, akin to Clayton, securing such a coveted title could ensure Vaughan's head is not turned by any possible interest in his services.

Similarly to Smithies, though, the fact he plays at the apex of the side means he finds himself further away from the hub of the action.

As aforementioned, Robins faces a difficult choice in identifying the correct fit for Town. He must make sure Clarke's spectre is not forgotten but, equally, does not allow it to loom over the successor to the Town legend's throne.

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Who should be Huddersfield Town's captain next season?

Part one of the Huddersfield Town 2013/2014 end-of-season survey: the results - click here to read

Part two of the Huddersfield Town 2013/2014 end-of-season survey: the results - click here to read

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