Smith to lead Latics
Lee Johnson has confirmed Korey Smith as Latics' captain for their Sky Bet League 1 campaign.The midfield man (pictured) had skippered the side throughout pre-season.
However, Latics' manager only confirmed Smith had landed the job shortly before yesterday's opening league game at Stevenage.
Latics' manager admitted there were three or four candidates.
Johnson explained why Smith emerged the victor saying: "I think Korey epitomises what I was about as a player.
"He is brave as a lion, brave on the ball and can take the ball anywhere.
"He leads by example on the pitch, though he still has a bit to do off the pitch, but he is a young boy.
"Korey has won the division with Norwich and also the next division.
"And if there is somebody the lads can look to on the pitch and respect then it is Korey."
Johnson added Latics are lucky to also have other natural leaders on the pitch, the likes of Cliff Byrne, James Wesolowski, Charlie MacDonald and Adam Rooney.
"At the end of the day there are 11 captains on the pitch," he concluded.
Johnson explained why Smith emerged the victor saying: "I think Korey epitomises what I was about as a player.
"He is brave as a lion, brave on the ball and can take the ball anywhere.
"He leads by example on the pitch, though he still has a bit to do off the pitch, but he is a young boy.
"Korey has won the division with Norwich and also the next division.
"And if there is somebody the lads can look to on the pitch and respect then it is Korey."
Johnson added Latics are lucky to also have other natural leaders on the pitch, the likes of Cliff Byrne, James Wesolowski, Charlie MacDonald and Adam Rooney.
"At the end of the day there are 11 captains on the pitch," he concluded.