Huddersfield Town manager Mark Robins today confirmed Peter Clarke will be captain again this season.
The John Smith's Stadium boss believes the 31-year-old central defender - the promotion-winning captain at Wembley - is the natural leader among his Canalside squad.
And, with the plum home pre-season friendly against Spanish giants Real Betis just 24 hours away, Robins said: "Peter is doing well and he is the typical leader in that team.
"He had a knee operation at the start of the closed season but he has got past that and it's great to have him back."Peter is the leader in the side. There are others who may come through if Peter isn't playing for any reason and, to be fair, you are looking for leaders all over the pitch.
"There are one or two there who could possibly lead in a different way, but Peter has experience, he knows the game and he's a massive help for me when he's out there on the pitch - so I think it's safe to say that if Peter is player he will be skipper."
Robins - who says Calum Woods will be another three weeks recovering from his shoulder injury - would not be pushed on who might lead the side in Clarke's absence. "I know in my own mind who could potentially do the job, but there are a few and I suppose the natural leaders will come to the fore," he explained.
"There are different ways of doing the job. Some players lead by their performances, some lead by being vocal and some lead by doing both."If you are a vocal skipper you have to know the game. It's not just about shouting, that's not leading that's just being noisy, but we have one or two players who have good ideas and could come to the fore.
"As I've said, though, Peter Clarke is the outstanding leader in our dressing room."
