As the start of the new season edges closer, David Freezer assesses who will captain Norwich City in the Championship in 2016/17.

Among the many issues for Norwich City boss Alex Neil to ponder ahead of the new season is which of his players should wear the captain's armband.

The Scot has already spoken of his desire to bring a fresh look to his team following the disappointment of Premier League relegation.

Part of that process looks set to be forced by circumstance, as current skipper Russell Martin battles a back problem which could see him miss the start of the new campaign.

With former vice-captain Gary O'Neil opting to make a free transfer to Bristol City over the summer, it leaves Neil with a decision to make ahead of the trip to Blackburn on August 6.

Jonny Howson led the Canaries out for Tuesday's 3-0 friendly victory over Coventry and is likely to be a front-runner for the armband.

Fellow midfielder Alex Tettey has also been captain earlier in pre-season though and can lay a similar claim to being handed the extra responsibility.

Howson was captain at Leeds when he signed for City in a deal worth around £2million in January 2012, having first skippered his boyhood club at the age of 19, becoming the youngest since 1970s legend Billy Bremner.

Tettey joined the Canaries later in 2012 and both have proved popular during their time in Norfolk.

The duo could face stiff competition from a newer face in the squad though, that of star defender Timm Klose.

The Switzerland international proved a big hit following his £7.6m switch from Wolfsburg in January, taking to the English top flight like a social-media savvy duck to water.

Klose's knee injury in a 1-0 loss at Crystal Palace in April of last season is seen by many as the turning point which led to City slipping back to the Championship.

Neil has intimated in the past week that the centre-back is willing to remain at Carrow Road and try to help secure an immediate return to the most-watched league on the planet.

The captain's armband could help to ensure the 28-year-old is happy to stay, should any wealthier suitors come calling before the transfer window slams shut at the end of August.

It could also be a distraction for a player who is currently integral to City's promotion hopes – as was seen in the past when Adam Drury's form suffered while he was captain.

There is a former skipper already in the ranks as well in Seb Bassong. However, given the defender's high-profile errors last season, confidence in the former Tottenham defender's abilities has been higher.

Managers will always talk of needing more than one leader on the pitch and perhaps the symbolism is of more importance to supporters.

It is another small piece of the jigsaw which Neil is currently constructing though, as the Norwich City roller-coaster returns to its starting position.