So who will become the next West Ham skipper?

Given that most Premier League clubs like to have a home grown player as their captain, the next West Ham skipper is likely to provide interesting competition for Declan Rice’s armband next season.

It really is a tricky one as you troll through the squad with no natural captain available it seems.

My first thought was Jarrod Bowen but he’s not a talker and as a wide player is also probably in the wrong position to do the job.

West Ham skipper Declan Rice

Were he a few years younger the job could fall to Aaron Cresswell but that is out of the question at rising 33 as it is with Mike Antonio who is much the same age.

I can see nobody among the summer arrivals suitable and believe it would be too early for any of them anyway.

So reluctantly I have to go for a non home grown player in Kurt Zouma who has been excellent at the heart of defence since arriving from Chelsea and he would be Simon’s choice too whilst Gonzo reckons Vladi Coufal – as a “talker” could do the job.

Give us your thoughts!

By Hughie Southon