Burnley Football Club have announced that Josh Cullen has been appointed as the squad captain for the upcoming 2025/26 Premier League season. The 29-year-old Republic of Ireland international takes over the armband from Josh Brownhill, who recently departed the club after his contract expired. Cullen’s appointment marks a significant milestone in his career at Turf Moor, reflecting his growing influence both on and off the pitch. This article explores Cullen’s journey, his leadership qualities, and what this captaincy means for Burnley’s Premier League campaign.
We are pleased to announce that Josh Cullen has been appointed as squad captain ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season © pic.twitter.com/DSnB9MydKk
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) July 31, 2025
A Natural Successor to Brownhill
The departure of Josh Brownhill, who made 211 appearances and scored 32 goals for Burnley, left big shoes to fill. Brownhill, a key figure in Burnley’s promotion from the Championship last season, confirmed his exit this summer after declining a new contract. With interest from Premier League clubs like West Ham United, Crystal Palace, and Brentford, his future remains uncertain, but his absence created an opportunity for Cullen to step up.
Cullen had already worn the captain’s armband on 27 occasions for the Clarets, including seven times during last season’s promotion-winning campaign under manager Scott Parker. His experience leading the team, notably in a recent friendly against Shrewsbury Town, made him a natural choice. Fans and pundits alike had anticipated this move, with posts on X highlighting Cullen as the supporters’ preferred captain following Brownhill’s exit.
Cullen’s Journey at Burnley
Josh Cullen joined Burnley in July 2022 from Anderlecht for a reported £3 million, reuniting with then-manager Vincent Kompany, with whom he had worked in Belgium. Since his arrival, Cullen has become a cornerstone of the midfield, making 80 appearances and scoring three goals. His debut season in 2022/23 was particularly standout, as he played a pivotal role in Burnley’s Championship title win, earning both the Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards.
Last season, despite Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League, Cullen remained a consistent performer, starting 43 of his 44 appearances across all competitions. His pass completion rate of 86.7% and tireless work ethic earned praise, with fans comparing him to club legend Dean Marney for his quiet leadership and no-nonsense approach. In September 2024, Cullen signed a new three-year contract with an option for a fourth, signaling his commitment to the club’s ambition of returning to the Premier League.
Leadership On and Off the Pitch
Cullen’s appointment as captain is a testament to his leadership qualities. Described as a “midfield metronome,” he sets the tempo for Burnley with his precise passing and relentless pressing. His ability to maintain high standards, as noted by Kompany during their time at Anderlecht, has carried over to Turf Moor. “From the first pass to the last tackle, Josh performs to the highest possible standard,” Kompany once said.
Off the pitch, Cullen commands respect among his teammates and has built a strong rapport with the fans. His involvement in community initiatives, such as presenting the Community Captain award to Jamaal Sajid in 2024, underscores his role as a club ambassador. Speaking after his contract extension last year, Cullen said, “This club has really felt like home. I have a good relationship with everyone around the club and the fans.”
Scott Parker’s Vote of Confidence
Current manager Scott Parker, who led Burnley to promotion last season, has expressed full confidence in Cullen’s ability to lead. Parker’s arrival brought “a breath of fresh air” to the squad, according to Cullen, and the midfielder has thrived under his management. Parker’s decision to name Cullen captain reflects the trust placed in him to guide a squad that has seen significant turnover, with 15 first-team players departing this summer, including CJ Egan-Riley to Marseille and James Trafford to Manchester City.
Cullen’s leadership will be crucial as Burnley navigate the challenges of the Premier League. With a mix of experienced players like Jay Rodriguez and new signings like Kyle Walker, who captained the side in a friendly against Huddersfield Town, Cullen will need to foster unity in a refreshed squad.
What This Means for Burnley’s Premier League Return
As Burnley prepare for their Premier League return, Cullen’s captaincy signals a focus on stability and resilience. His experience in both the Championship and Premier League, combined with his international pedigree (he has represented the Republic of Ireland 29 times), makes him well-equipped to lead the Clarets in high-stakes matches. Burnley’s sixth-place finish in the Championship after four games this season suggests they are in good form, but the Premier League will test their mettle.
Cullen’s ability to dictate play and inspire those around him will be vital, especially in the absence of Brownhill’s goal-scoring threat from midfield. Fans are optimistic, with many on X praising Cullen’s “mild-mannered aura” and work ethic. His leadership could be the key to ensuring Burnley not only survive but thrive in the top flight.
Looking Ahead
Josh Cullen’s appointment as Burnley’s captain is a well-deserved recognition of his contributions over the past three years. As the Clarets embark on their 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Cullen’s steady presence in midfield and his ability to lead by example will be invaluable. With Scott Parker’s backing and the support of the Turf Moor faithful, Cullen is poised to write a new chapter in Burnley’s history, aiming to cement their place in the Premier League.
