As expected, central defender Gareth McAuley has not just succeeded Jason De Vos as Town's number four and central defensive linchpin, but also as the Blues' team captain. However, Richard Naylor, Town's longest-serving player, has been named club captain.

Boss Jim Magilton confirmed the appointments: "Gareth will lead the team out on Saturday against Preston and I'm sure he will grow into the role of skipper here.

"To help him along the way, I've appointed Bam Bam as club skipper. It's a role that I think he deserves having been a fantastic servant to Ipswich Town.

"He will be a figurehead if you like from the playing side and will work alongside Gareth as well and pass on his experience. He will also be a link between the manager's office and the dressing room."

McAuley had been expected to be given the armband since being brought to the club from Leicester, despite the captaincy being shared around during much of pre-season.

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