With the new Sky Bet Football League season starting up in just a week’s time, we have continued our countdown to kick-off by looking at some of the number sevens to watch out for this term.
The number seven shirt is one which has become associated with skill and flair and in this piece we take a look at some of the most talented players who will be wearing the number this campaign.Peter Whittingham – Cardiff City
Whittingham has become a Cardiff City stalwart, with the central midfielder about to enter his 10th season as a Bluebirds player.
Over the years, Whittingham has accumulated 382 appearances for the Welsh outfit, and featured in The Football League’s Team of the Decade back in April.
Blessed with a wonderful range of passing and a deft first-touch, the England youth international will be key for Cardiff once again in the upcoming season.
Dean Cox – Leyton Orient
The diminutive winger has pace, skill and creativity in abundance and he is one of Leyton Orient’s key attacking talents.
Cox has been at Orient for five years now, with his loyalty and all-round ability making him a fans’ favourite at Brisbane Road.
Grant Leadbitter – Middlesbrough
The energetic midfielder enjoyed a fine 2014/15 with Middlesbrough, and will be central to their plans once again should he carry similar form into the new campaign.
Leadbitter captained Boro to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final last season – where they lost to Norwich City – with his 11 league goals crucial to Aitor Karanka’s side’s progress.
Doug Loft – Gillingham
Gillingham captain Loft is set to play a big part as Justin Edinburgh looks to make his mark on the side.
Edinburgh arrived at Priestfield Stadium midway through the last campaign, but he has now had a full pre-season to work with the players and analyse Loft’s talents.
The all-action midfielder leads by example, and his battling qualities will be vital for the Gills this term.
John Fleck – Coventry City
Operating as a deep-lying playmaker, Fleck has managed to establish himself as one of Coventry City’s most talented players over the past few years.
The Scot joined the Sky Blues in 2012, and although success on the pitch hasn’t been as frequent as the club would have hoped, Fleck’s ability has always made him stand out
Jamie Cureton – Dagenham & Redbridge
The veteran striker is showing age is just a number, with his finishing qualities remaining as sharp as ever at 39-years-old.
Cureton racked up 19 goals in Sky Bet League 2 last season – his 22nd professional campaign – and he is likely to be among the top scorers once again.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson – Charlton Athletic
The Icelandic international enjoyed a fine debut year in England last time around, scoring 11 times and finishing as runner up to Jordan Cousins in the Addicks’ Player of the Season vote.
After penning a new deal at the Valley, his talents are clearly valued by manager Guy Luzon, and his potential makes him one player to keep a very close eye on.