He may have only just been handed the armband for the 2022/23 season but Adam Clayton stood out as a potential captain from the moment he arrived at Rovers.
That is the verdict of first team manager Gary McSheffrey who says the 33-year-old’s leadership qualities are clear to see.
“He came to the club in January and his character was brilliant,” McSheffrey said.
“His character around the place, his leadership qualities in the changing room and on the training ground - they were really good.
“Once he got up to speed, he showed the same things on the pitch and I just feel he’s got a really calm head out there. He can take any kind of tactical decisions we make from the sides, pass it on and almost run it for you on the pitch.
“He’s got really good football intelligence, he’s had a really good upbringing in the game, played at the highest level so he will be our captain out on the pitch.”
Alongside Clayton as team captain, Tommy Rowe has been named club captain for the coming campaign.
McSheffrey said: “He’s done so much for the club so I definitely wanted him involved in some way.
“As club captain, he represents us at a higher level off the pitch. He will be between the team and the board as well, and have extra responsibilities with that.
“It was a big part, explaining to Tommy that everyone from top to bottom loves and respects him.”
