Hammers boss David Moyes faces a vice-captaincy dilemma as West Ham prepare for their Rush Green return on Monday.
It marked the end of an era when West Ham captain Mark Noble retired last month.
Noble brought the curtain down on his near two decade Hammers career at the end of last season.
And while the departure does not impact the West Ham starting XI as much as it perhaps would have five or six years ago, it does leave a massive hole to fill behind the scenes.
Noble was West Ham’s leader off the pitch and in the dressing room.
And in that respect his are big boots to fill.
Declan Rice was officially West Ham’s vice-captain – and therefore captain in Noble’s absence – before now.
David Moyes faces vice-captaincy dilemma as West Ham prepare for Rush Green return on Monday
Despite continued speculation over his long-term future, Rice is fully expected to be named West Ham’s new captain following Noble’s departure.
But Moyes faces a vice-captaincy dilemma as West Ham prepare for their Rush Green return on Monday.
West Ham – minus their international players – will be back in pre-season training from June 27th.
And Moyes must decide who will replace Rice as West Ham’s vice-captain.
Rice himself has proved just how important it is to have a capable and reliable vice-skipper.
Many fans believe Aaron Cresswell will be handed the honour.
Others feel it should be experienced defender Angelo Ogbonna for his final season – especially now that Nayef Aguerd has joined as the Italian’s long-term West Ham replacement at left centre-back.
Michail Antonio is said to be very vocal in the West Ham changing room and is one of the older heads.
So he too could be a shout for the role.
Tomas Soucek – should he remain at the club amid increased speculation over his future – and Vladimir Coufal could both be shouts given their supreme professionalism.
Soucek is the captain of the Czech national team so would be well suited for the role if he stays.
Kurt Zouma is not a candidate given the goings-on of last season.
Aguerd might be one for the role in the future as French football experts have highlighted the fact West Ham have signed a true leader in their new £30m man.
Craig Dawson, a consummate professional and reliable as the day is long Hammer, is another.
And passionate Pablo Fornals could be a good pick given how much he has thrown himself into West Ham life.
It says a lot about this West Ham squad that there are so many candidates.
It will be intriguing to see who Moyes opts for.
Who do you think should be the new West Ham vice-captain? Have your say in the comments section below.