Vice-Captain (football)

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A vice-captain is a player that is expected to captain the side when the club's captain is not included in the starting eleven (injured), or if the club captain is substituted.

In essence the vice-captain then assumes the role of the captain, in its entirety. If the current captain is in the matchday squad, and comes on as a substitute, then the vice-captain usually relinquishes the captaincy for the remainder of the match.

Vice-captains' duties are not just to lead when the captain is not playing. A vice-captain is usually expected to lead the players with the captain and also help the younger players develop.

Like the captaincy, the vice-captain role is usually handed to a senior player, or a player that can heavily influence a game.

The vice captain is usually named by the manager at the start of the season, along with the captain.