Barnsley have confirmed that Luca Connell will be captain for the second successive season.

The 24-year-old midfielder was given the armband last summer by Darrell Clarke and has kept it under Conor Hourihane.

He will be supported by a ‘leadership group’ including David McGoldrick, Marc Roberts and Josh Earl.

Sporting director Mladen Šormaz said, “This is an important moment in the club's continued development. Naming Luca as captain, supported by a group of experienced and grounded players, reflects the type of culture we are building - one that values responsibility, resilience, and unity.

"As we continue to develop a young and ambitious squad, leadership like this helps create the environment needed for players to grow and succeed. It’s not just about one voice - it’s about building a collective mentality that reflects what Barnsley Football Club stands for.”

Head coach Conor Hourihane added: “The continuity of having Luca as captain is extremely important. His application, drive and intensity that he has trained with over the course of pre-season has been first class for everyone to see.

"Our new leadership group will be integral with the amount of experience that David McGoldrick, Marc Roberts and Josh Earl have in football to help the dressing room and support Luca. The four of them together will manage the dressing room, if I need to lean on them for anything or if they need to come to me - they know that the door is always open for me to help them."