Search begins for Magpies skipper

By Martin Lindsay
BBC Radio Newcastle Blast reporter

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has four weeks to decide on his captain

With the kick-off to the new Premier League campaign just over four weeks away, Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton is yet to confirm who will be the club's new captain, following the departure of Nicky Butt.

Throughout Newcastle's Championship winning season, former Manchester United midfielder Butt had the honour and responsibility of club captain.

However after suffering a series of injuries and loss of form, the Magpies' armband was often found in possession of Alan Smith or Kevin Nolan, both of whom enjoyed great success in England's second tier.

Manager Chris Hughton may well have made his decision on who will lead out the Magpies at Old Trafford on 16 August, but outside the squad the guessing games are well underway.

THE CONTENDERS

Alan Smith

After joining the Magpies in August 2007 under Sam Allardyce, Smith endured a miserable first two seasons on Tyneside, with a number of injuries limiting his time on the pitch.

Smith battles with Reading's Brian Howard for possession

After the club's relegation to the Championship in May 2009 it was widely reported that the former Manchester United midfielder would be part of a mass exodus through the St James' Park exit door.

Smith, however, had other ideas and after impressing in pre-season training, he was given the honour of leading Newcastle out in their Championship opener away to West Bromwich Albion.

The manner in which the former Leeds United man goes about his business on the pitch is typical of an English captain. His determination and evident passion are two perfect attributes that could see Smith given the armband for a second consecutive season.

Smith told BBC Newcastle: "Throughout this season we will need more than one captain. We've got quality players and quality leaders so whether it's me or somebody else, you won't get any more or any less from me if I am captain or not."

Kevin Nolan

Liverpool-born Nolan signed for United in January 2009, making his debut in the Tyne-Wear derby two days later.

Nolan captained Newcastle on numerous occasions last season

After suffering the heartache of relegation after only four months on Tyneside, Nolan was another name that was expected to leave St James' Park in favour of Premier League football.

Despite a disappointing start to his Newcastle career, Nolan has bounced back in impressive fashion, scoring 17 league goals last season from midfield.

As a result he was named Championship Player of the Year, beating off competition from West Brom's creative midfielder Graham Dorrans.

After showing impressive form in his side's attempts for an instant return to the top flight, Magpies manager Hughton saw Nolan as the man to captain his side in the absence of Butt and Smith as the Championship season drew to a close.

During his time at Bolton, Nolan was given the Wanderers armband in 2006 and played a pivotal role in the club's Uefa cup campaign.

Steve Harper

Easington-born Harper signed for the Magpies in July 1993 as a teenager and is a life-long fan of the club.

Harper is a life long Newcastle fan

Harper, 35, has seen it all in his long spell at Newcastle, enjoying the heights of Champions League football, as well as suffering the disappointment of relegation away to Aston Villa 14 months ago.

Despite being at St James' Park for 17 years, Harper only made his 100th Newcastle appearance during the 2007/08 season, after being the understudy to Shay Given for a number of years.

After the departure of Given to Manchester City in January 2009, Harper had the honour of being the club's number one goalkeeper for the first time.

606: DEBATE

When looking through Newcastle's current squad, three or four names jump off the page as to who could potentially skipper the Magpies, two of which are Newcastle fans

Martin Lindsay - BBC Blast Newcastle

Throughout Newcastle's Championship-winning season Harper impressed between the sticks throughout, keeping a club record number of clean sheets.

Naturally, as a goalkeeper, Harper is not the favourite for the armband, but with his wealth of experience and respect within the squad, he would not disappoint if called upon to lead the Magpies out on 16 August.

Steven Taylor

Apart from a short loan spell at Wycombe, Taylor has spent his entire senior career at Newcastle, making his debut in March 2004.

Taylor has not played for Newcastle since January because of injury

After showing impressive club form for an inexperienced centre back, Taylor was appointed England Under-21 captain in 2007.

Throughout the last three seasons Taylor has been a regular at the heart of the Newcastle defence, but had his recent campaign cut short by injury.

His footballing ability, passion and love for the club makes him an ideal candidate for the Newcastle captaincy. A born leader, Taylor plays with his heart on his sleeve and puts his body on the line in every game he plays.

As well as the stiff competition from Smith, Nolan and Harper for the armband, last season's alleged bust-up with team-mate Andy Carroll could also stand in the way of Taylor becoming Newcastle captain, with the centre-back's future currently cast in a shadow of doubt.