News from the bet365 Stadium ahead of Stoke City’s opening day of the new Championship season
Josh Laurent has been named new Stoke City club captain on the eve of the 2023/24 season.
The 28-year-old midfielder inherits the armband from Lewis Baker, who is currently recovering from knee surgery but had lost his place in the starting line-up in the final few months of last term.
He joined the club as a free agent last summer and, after a frustrating first few months enduring niggling injuries, he was a fixture in the team when fit. Now he will lead a dramatically new-look side out at the bet365 Stadium on the first day against Rotherham, with a eulogy from his manager about his athleticism and influence.
Alex Neil told StokeonTrent Live: “Josh Laurent has been named the club captain.
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“I think Josh has got a great balance at the moment between knowledge, experience, still in his peak athletically and
influence, which I think is really important in being a captain on and off the pitch.
