Grant Leadbitter will take on the captaincy at Sunderland following George Honeyman’s departure, Jack Ross has confirmed.
Honeyman joined Hull City on Friday and goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin wore the armband on the opening day of the season as the Black Cats drew 1-1 with Oxford United at the Stadium of Light.
But Ross has revealed that McLaughlin was captain for the day only because Leadbitter did not start the match, with the 33-year-old an unused substitute against the Us.
And Leadbitter will be the regular skipper this season, meaning that the honour will pass from one academy graduate in the shape of Honeyman, to another.
“It was just today,” said Ross of McLaughlin wearing the armband.
“Grant will take the captaincy on. I spoke to him yesterday and he will assume that role and responsibility, and he is more than happy to do so.
“He will play a lot of games for us this season, and it was not an easy decision to leave him out today.
“Jon wearing the armband today was due to Grant not starting the match.”
Leadbitter came through the youth system at Sunderland and made his senior debut in 2003. He left Wearside to join Ipswich Town in 2009 before moving to Middlesbrough three years later, and then returning to his boyhood club in January this year.
Across his two spells at Sunderland, the midfielder has made 142 appearances in all competitions, and scored 11 goals.
