Sunderland manager Jack Ross has revealed why he has selected Grant Leadbitter to be the club's captain for the 2019/20 League One campaign.

The role was left up for grabs following George Honeyman's departure from the Stadium of Light earlier this summer and a number of players were being considered to take over as skipper before Ross chose the 33-year-old midfielder.

Despite being handed the responsibility of captaining the Black Cats, Leadbitter did not wear the armband on Saturday as he was left to watch on from the sidelines as his side drew 1-1 against Oxford United.

In the midfielder's absence, goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin skippered a Sunderland side who will be aiming to put last season's play-off final defeat behind them in 2020 by securing promotion to the top-tier.

Speaking to the Northern Echo about his decision to name Leadbitter as his captain, Ross said: "It was not done for sentimental reasons or because it seemed like the obvious fit.

"I have got to know him over the last six months, and obviously he has a real feel for the football club.

"But how he conducts himself on and off the pitch is very much in alignment with how I do things.

[ad_pod ]

"So, for me, I was delighted he wanted to take it, because players don’t always want to accept it, and that is key.

"We had a conversation, and he was more than happy to take on that responsibility.

"As I mentioned, I have not given him that role for it to be an ambassador-type role, if you like. He is captain, and he will play a lot of games for us and fulfil that role on the pitch."

The Verdict

Although Leadbitter is blessed with a wealth of experience which should come in handy for this particular role, if he cannot force his way into Sunderland's starting eleven, the impact that he will be able to have as captain will be minimal as there is only so much a player can do from the substitutes bench.

Whereas it would be naive to suggest that Ross should reconsider his decision, it may be worth putting his faith in the midfielder to lead the side out against Ipswich Town at the weekend in what is expected to be an intriguing clash between two of League One's biggest sides.

Since joining the Black Cats in January, Leadbitter has impressed considerably due to his commitment to the club as well as his professionalism off the pitch and it is hoped that by handing him the armband, he can be a positive role model for the Wearside-based outfit's younger contingent of supporters.