Swindon Town have named Ollie Clarke as the new club captain ahead of the 2024/25 season.
The 32-year-old arrived from Mansfield Town this summer having earned promotion with the Stags to League One last season, a feat he has previously accomplished with Bristol Rovers.
Clarke was Swindon's first signing of the summer as Mark Kennedy and Jamie Russell looked to add a core of promotion-winning experience to the squad.
During each of Swindon's pre-season games, Clarke has worn the armband when on the field and now formally takes over the role that was held by Charlie Austin last season, who has since departed the club.
Kennedy explained why he named Clarke captain: "There are multiple reasons, he is an outstanding person, number one, an outstanding professional in the standards he has set and his values.
"He is also a fantastic player and has had an outstanding career, how he conducts himself in training with his standards.
"When you look at all of the facets it takes to be a captain, he just ticks all of the boxes.
"We have actually got at least four or five people that we could pick as captain and I don't think anyone would bat an eye, but we should be very proud to have someone like Ollie representing the club.
"There is an old cliché that you don't need a captain's armband to be a leader but I think it is a massive compliment to him and it is something that he is very proud of."
Whilst no formal vice-captain has been named for the squad, Kennedy said that he believes there are many other leaders within the group.
Jack Bycroft did captain the side on occasion last season, and there are also many players with great experience in the squad with new signings like Grant Hall, Harry Smith, and Ryan Delaney.
Speaking to club media, Clarke said: "It's a privilege to be given it and when I had the conversation with the Head Coach the other day, I was thrilled to accept it.
"It's not something I will take lightly. I wanted to come in and just be a leadership figure to the group, but obviously, the Head Coach has seen something in me with my leadership skills and what I offer, so I'm just pleased to be given it and I'm really looking forward to getting going now."
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