Hull City's captaincy conundrum as three clear leaders emerge

There's a hole to fill at Hull City. Actually, there's more than one hole to fill as head coach Shota Arveladze gets to work with Tan Kesler, Lee Darnbrough and owner Acun Ilicali to put together a squad for next season which can fulfill their hope of challenging at the top end of the Championship table.

The quality and depth of your squad has a big say in any promotion hopes, but it's not just about big signings and throwing money at it. If you want evidence of that then look no further than the Hull City squad which won promotion to the Premier League under Phil Brown in 2008.

A side that went from relegation-threatened to the top flight for the first time in the club's history did so by being under-pinned by one key factor, squad unity. Yes there was quality, and yes there was belief as the climb up the table gathered momentum, but the squad unity and togetherness was a hallmark of those Wembley heroes.

It was forged by players like Nick Barmby, Dean Windass and Michael Turner, but it was encapsulated and channelled through Ian Ashbee. If ever the role of a club captain was crucial, it was none more so than that season. Leaders come in all forms and each has their own traits, but their impact when the job is done right cannot be underestimated.

Richie Smallwood's departure from the club has now left a sizeable hole that needs filling within the City camp. Like in 2008 there are leaders within the squad in the likes of Lewie Coyle and George Honeyman, but there are not as many obvious candidates or as many hard-nosed veterans if you will.

City's recruitment may add to that, but with eyes on Turkey and overseas at the minute for new additions, Arveladze is going to have to look within his current side as to who wears