SYDNEY FC will have a new captain this season, with Alessandro Del Piero set to be formally announced next week as the dressing room's official leader.
Del Piero will succeed Terry McFlynn, the Sky Blues' highly regarded foundation player who has worn the armband for the past three seasons.
Sydney's marquee star returned to Sydney this week after the club's three-week camp in Italy, though it's not yet clear whether he will play in tomorrow's friendly with Newcastle in Wollongong.
But the change of captaincy appears based on the fact that Del Piero is certain to play every minute that he is fit as the marquee player, while McFlynn is one of a number of midfield options available to Sydney coach Frank Farina.
Though Sydney CEO Tony Pignata yesterday said that no decision had been made on the captaincy, it's believed Del Piero will be publicly anointed next week when he is likely to talk to the media for the first time since his return.