Stockport County: Dave Challinor makes bold Lewis Bate call but another big decision looms - View | OneFootball

The County boss has decided his new captain, but the conundrum may not end there

Highlights

After a long time speculating about who might become the new Stockport County captain for the new 2024/25 season, it has now been revealed.

The Hatters last week revealed that midfielder Lewis Bate was to take the armband ahead of the new campaign, a somewhat shock choice considering he has only been at the club a matter of weeks.

It is a strong nod to just how highly Challinor rates Bate, and it's a huge honour to receive for the player so early in his career.

Despite that call now being cemented, it may not be the end of the decision-making for the County boss.

Bate was a shock choice

Likely candidates to take the armband included the likes of Fraser Horsfall, who has now been relied upon in the centre of defence at County for two full seasons and has been a commanding presence in the backline.

With the Hatters signing a strong group of young, and in some cases relatively inexperienced, players, few would have predicted it would be one of the new faces that got the nod.

That's precisely what happened, however, and it seemed to come as a slight shock to even Bate himself.

Speaking to club media for the announcement, he said: “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."

But it is just another sign of how highly Challinor regards Bate, having previously told BBC Radio Manchester that he thinks the former Leeds United man can make the biggest difference to the side.

Big boots to fill, but Bate has the right ingredients to succeed

He takes over the role from fan favourite Paddy Madden, who left at the end of his contract this summer before making the switch to Chesterfield.

Taking over from such a revered figure, widely associated with the club's previous two promotions, is no small task, but Bate is showing signs of being ready.

Already he has become one of the key names on the tip of fans' tongues when talking about upcoming games, and has impressed thoroughly in pre-season.

Though many may not have predicted it, it could turn out to be a strong selection from Challinor.

Another Stockport decision may still need to be made

Such is the impact that Bate has had in his short time with the club so far, news of his injury at the end of the Hatters' opening bout against Cambridge United was greeted with despair.

It also brought into sharp focus another issue yet to be decided; the identity of County's vice-captain. Last season, with Madden not featuring every game, a strong deputy was needed and was found in Ryan Croasdale, but he has also now left the club.

This season may need someone similarly as strong in the deputy position, given Bate's age and lack of experience in the role. New defender Sam Hughes was given the task in the Carabao Cup against Blackburn Rovers, but that was a heavily rotated side that featured too few first-team players to learn who might be second in command. But, in any case, Hughes also suffered an injury in that game.

The manager hopes to have Bate back ahead of his side's upcoming trip to Blackpool, so the decision may yet be delayed, but it seems like one that Challinor will need to make at some point.

It was a bold yet understandable choice from Challinor, but he still has a big decision to make. It could be a crucial call to ensure Bate adjusts smoothly to his increased responsibilities.