Sun 14 Sep - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
John Eustace has described Lewis Travis as a ‘natural leader’ after naming the midfielder as Derby County’s captain.
The recent recruit from Blackburn Rovers was handed the armband for the first time in Derby’s 1-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Travis produced a typically dynamic display in the middle of the park at The Hawthorns and led by example as the Rams claimed a hard-fought win for the first time in the 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship campaign.
The 27-year-old wore the armband at his former club, including under Eustace’s management at Ewood Park, so it is a role he is already more than accustomed to.
Derby’s Head Coach was also quick to praise Ebou Adams, who donned the armband during the closing stages of the 2024/25 season following Eustace’s arrival in February of this year and during the early weeks of the current campaign.
The Gambia international has been confirmed as the Rams’ vice-captain and Eustace is adamant the popular midfielder and 2024/25 Jack Stamps Player of the Season award winner will still have a vital role to play both on and off the pitch.
Speaking to RamsTV after the win at The Hawthorns, Eustace said: “Lewis is a natural leader, a true captain and a fantastic professional who is great around the training ground.
“I spoke to Ebou about it, and he absolutely fine and understood my decision.
“Ebou will be the vice-captain. He has been fantastic leading this group up to now; he was exceptional last season in some really difficult moments.
“He is loved by everyone at the football club, including myself, and he is going to play such a huge part in our progress this year.”
He added: “I just felt Lewis, coming in, was the natural captain. I am pleased that he led the boys to a victory in his first game with the armband.”
Travis’ first home game as Derby County’s captain will come against Preston North End when Eustace’s side return to Championship action at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday 20th September (3pm kick-off).
