DAN Neil will wear the captain's armband for Sunderland this season - with a new six-man leadership group selected by Regis Le Bris.

With Corry Evans having left the club in the summer, Luke O'Nien has been named club captain but Neil has been selected as team captain and will lead the team on the pitch.

Neil said: “This is another proud moment in my Sunderland career. I’m ready for this opportunity and the responsibility it involves, and I’m grateful for the continued support I know I’ll receive from my team-mates and the staff.

"Walking out at the Stadium of Light wearing the armband is a moment I’m looking forward to and one I know I’ll never forget.”

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Regis Le Bris has given the captaincy a lot of thought and although Neil will wear the armband and O'Nien is club skipper, the head coach wants leaders throughout his squad, hence the introduction of a new leadership team, which also includes Alan Brown, Dan Ballard, Jobe, and Trai Hume.

Le Bris said: "I think it's a big part of the performance, the way we can lead the team during the games. Often we want to choose one captain, who can solve all the problems. For me, it doesn't work like that.

"As a team, we need to have many leaders. Some of them vocal, others will lead through how they make little adjustments. We want to create a group of leaders who understand the game, who have the ability to adjust the little details in a game. That will be my decision.

"There are many responsibilities from adjusting our strategy on the field to guiding our culture in the dressing room, and we have selected a group that will lead by example and set high standards.”

Proud O'Nien added: “Sunderland is my home, so it’s a massive privilege to be named Club captain. I’ve been here a long time and I’m proud of what we have achieved, but my ambition is to help take the Club further. Like the rest of the team, I’m excited about the new season and I can’t wait to get started.”