Livingston boss David Martindale says the Lions will have a ‘senior leadership group’ as opposed to a genuine first-choice club captain this season.
Sean Kelly had taken the captain’s armband towards the latter stages of last season when it was apparent Nicky Devlin would be leaving the club - and was also named skipper for their first pre-season friendly at the weekend when they defeated Queen of the South 2-0 at home.
An early goal from Scott Pittman was added to by Steven Bradley just after the hour mark as the Lions ran out comfortable winners.
However, Martindale admits he’ll do things differently this campaign with the senior pros being given a greater role within the club, especially in the changing room.
Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, Martindale said: “I’m going to mix it with the captaincy if I’m honest. There’s a few players who I see as potential captains - Sean being one of them - but there’s going to be a senior leadership group this season.
“I’m going to do things differently to how it’s been done in previous years. The group will be looking after the changing room and being the ones driving the standards and putting the demands on the players.
“There’s probably three or four players who will get an opportunity with the captaincy.
“I don’t think it’s a role that suits everybody. I think everyone bar Scott Pittman probably would want to be a captain but it’s not a role that maybe suits every player.”
Martindale admitted he’s looking to avoid a repeat of last season when their captain was in the final year of his deal, saying: “I’m conscious of not wanting the captaincy to go to someone who likely isn’t going to be at the club next year.
“I’m fairy confident Sean will be here, Jason Holt has two years on his deal, Mick Devlin has potentially three so there’s plenty of options there and experience who can take on that role.
“But here’s also folk like Ayo (Obileye) who has attributes to be a captain but there’s a good chance he won’t be here next year.
“You’ve got to be careful with how you manage the changing room.”
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