Aitor Karanka has confirmed that Ben Watson will captain Nottingham Forest into the 2018/19 campaign, describing the midfielder as somebody who knows the dressing room.

Watson was signed last January, with the experienced midfielder captaining Forest for large parts of the second-half of the season, helping them to avoid the threat of a relegation battle.

The 33-year-old started 14 fixtures following his arrival, making a positive impact at the City Ground.

Karanka has now confirmed to the Nottingham Post that it will be Watson captaining his side into the new season, although the Spaniard was quick to highlight that others will have a key role to play in terms of leadership.

He said: “The captain was Ben last season and he is the leader who knows the changing room.

“I said a few times that when Michael (Dawson) arrived here, he knew he would be important to us.

“I have said before that who wears the armband is important to me. But I prefer to have five or six players who can be captains in the changing room, not just one who has the armband.”

Dawson has been one of a number of signings made by Karanka this summer, as he looks to reshape his Forest squad that struggled in the Championship last season.

The centre-back has arrived as a free agent from Hull City, who he has captained for a number of years.

The ex-England centre-back has agreed a two-year contract at the KCOM Stadium.

Forest will begin the Championship season with a clash against Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

The Verdict  

Watson was excellent with the armband last season, and many Forest supporters will agree with this decision.

There are now a number of leaders within Karanka’s squad, which will help Watson next season.

Things are shaping up nicely at the City Ground, with Karanka’s squad having a good look to it at this stage of pre-season.

Nottingham Forest fans… Let us know your thoughts!