Wise makes Nicholls captain

Dennis Wise has moved swiftly to quash dressing-room disquiet at Elland Road by appointing Kevin Nicholls as team captain.

Former Swindon boss Wise, appointed as Kevin Blackwell’s successor with Gus Poyet as his assistant earlier this week, has immediately stamped his authority on a struggling Leeds by stripping Paul Butler of the captaincy and putting summer signing Nicholls in charge on the pitch.

Midfielder Shaun Derry has been made vice-captain and at today’s press conference at Elland Road, where chairman Ken Bates introduced Wise, the former England midfielder confirmed the 28-year-old will lead the side against Southend on Saturday as Nicholls is currently sidelined with knee-ligament damage.