We are delighted to announce that midfielder Lewis Bate has been named as County’s new captain for the 2024/25 season.
Lewis joined the Club over the Summer on a free transfer from Leeds United, with manager Dave Challinor choosing the 21-year-old to take on the armband in League One next season – our first campaign at this level in 14 years.
The midfielder was previously the captain of Chelsea’s youth side during his time at Stamford Bridge, and has quickly become an important part of County’s leadership group at Carrington. Lewis replaces title-winning skipper Paddy Madden in the role, with the Irish striker departing for Chesterfield over the Summer after helping County to the League Two title last season.
On receiving the armband, Lewis Bate said:
“To have been chosen by the gaffer as your new Captain is a huge honour for me. As players we all understand what a big club County is, and more importantly what it means to the fans and the community, so I’ll be wearing the armband with real pride this season on your behalf.
“We have a really strong leadership group here at Carrington and I’m just one part of that, so it was a nice surprise to have been chosen. I know I haven’t been here long, but I’ve been made to feel so welcome by staff and supporters since joining and have settled in well.
“We’ve got a great group of players here, that are only at the start of a really exciting journey together – we just can’t wait to get going now in League One.
“See you all at Edgeley Park soon – come on County!”
First-Team Manager, Dave Challinor said:
“Lewis has come in and made a brilliant impression on everyone at the Club. It’s fair to say that there were plenty of candidates and many of them are in our leadership group and will continue to play that role on and off the pitch, but we felt a new face for a new group was appropriate.
“He will be involved in everything we do, is in a central position so can influence directly and will lead by example and set the standards that we all want to be associated with. It’s new for him and he’s very young for the role but he is absolutely up for the responsibility and we really feel he will grow as a result, not just as a player but as a leader.”
