Jonny Howson’s departure vacated the captain’s armband this summer.
Rob Edwards has decided not to name a Middlesbrough captain for the time being and will continue to rotate the role throughout the group.
Dael Fry carried the armband in the opening-day win over Swansea City, which was a perfect day for the proud Teessider. Exactly 10 years after making his Boro debut, Fry not only led his side out at the Riverside, but also won the game with a second-half header that secured a crucial three points for Boro.
Jonny Howson left Boro at the end of his contract this summer to begin a new player-coach role at Leeds United U21s, leaving the captain’s armband open for grabs. After putting the armband on Fry, Darragh Lenihan, Aidan Morris, and Tommy Conway during preseason, Edwards was anticipated to appoint a new Boro captain for the new season.
However, following the Swansea victory, the new head coach clarified his decision: “Rather than naming a permanent captain, we’re going to keep sharing it around.” I wish to encourage leadership in the group. I believe we have a number of players who can wear it, and today was Dael’s day. It isn’t a club captain thing, though.
“I realize that’s a little odd, but for me, we have a lot of leaders in the group, and I’d like to promote more. So I believe I will continue to share it. Potentially [I may eventually name one]. But we shall see. I don’t own a crystal ball.
“There will always be folks I gravitate towards, even if they don’t wear the wristband. It is critical to have solid ties with all of the leaders. You can be a dressing room leader at the age of 21. I’d like to promote more of that, and it’s something we can work on as a football club. “We’re working on it.”
Regardless of whether Fry’s captaincy is permanent, it was a great day for the Teessider. In addition to leading his team out and scoring the winning goal, Fry was dominant throughout to help Boro start with a clean sheet.
“A great day for him,” Edwards remarked. “He was brilliant.” Clean sheet, goal, and a terrific day. We’re quite thrilled for him. He’s a huge boy, and if you can attack the ball like that, you have a chance. There’s a lot of labor that goes into it, beyond Dael’s flying abilities. But I’m genuinely thrilled for Dael.”
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