Paul Simpson believes he has more leaders to choose from as he weighs up who will captain Carlisle United in 2024/25.

The Blues manager says he has a strong idea about who will wear the armband in the new League Two season.

Simpson even suggested there may be more than one skipper at the club.

But he said it is just as important that his squad is full of characters who can lead.

And he said the decision will be confirmed in due course.

United’s manager has rotated the captaincy so far in pre-season with Charlie Wyke leading the Blues in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Rochdale.

Asked about the situation by the News & Star, Simpson said: “I've got something in my mind, but it's certainly nothing to worry about. I don't see how anybody can get worried about who's the captain.

“We've got leaders out on the pitch, people like Aaron Hayden, Terell Thomas, Mells [Jon Mellish] is a leader even though he doesn't talk [as much as some others], Cameron Harper's been a leader, he's been a captain in the past, we've got Charlie Wyke who could be a leader.

Sam Lavelle captained United most often last seasonSam Lavelle captained United most often last season (Image: Richard Parkes)

“There's enough players out there who can show responsibility, so there's nothing to worry about in terms of the captain.

“The decision will be made, I've got an idea in my mind already. It might not even be just one, we're just going to have to wait and see.”

Paul Huntington was United’s club captain last season while ever-present Sam Lavelle wore the armband on the majority of occasions on the pitch.

Simpson said that, whoever gets the nod for the new campaign, there is evidence of more leadership qualities around the squad in general.

“We have [that] with the people we've got in the club, yes,” added the manager.

“There's certainly a different feel about the group.

“Now what we have to do is win games of football when the season starts to make sure that good feeling and that positivity that we've got in the group stays with us.”