Step Forward Captain Colo!
Posted on June 27th, 2011 | 44 Comments |
With Kevin Nolan’s recent backslide to the Championship with West Ham, there’s an opening in the job market down at Barrack Road.
That job being team Captain.
Obviously, at this point it’s difficult to call who’ll get the shout and become the man to do the boss’s bidding on the pitch. What with the transfer window still yet to ‘officially’ open, there’s still a long way to go before we know who’s staying and who’s leaving. The honour usually goes to a, shall we say veteran or long serving player. A bit of a stalwart, someone who is rarely out injured, an ever-present, if you will. Taking all that into consideration, it doesn’t leave us with a lot of options.
Let’s take a look:
Of those still at the club, for now at least, we have Joey Barton. He’s been played as Captain recently, after making a strong comeback from injury and ‘other’ things. Moving up from Vice Captain when Nolan was out through injury or suspension. But will he still be around come August kick off time? Will he be getting regular games with his contract running down over the next season?
Next we have Steve Harper our longest serving player, goal keeper and all round good egg. I’m not really a fan of ‘keepers being given the armband, but still a good shout if required. Although he did miss a few games through injury himself last season.
Next up is Shola Ameobi, yes, I know, but he did take the armband last season too and to his credit, didn’t let us down. He’s a ‘dyed in the man-made fibre’ Nigerian Geordie and long time Toon player, though, again, he does spend a bit of time on the bench.
Maybe it’s a bit early for the likes of Tiote, though he does seem to have the respect of the team. His time spent suspended would certainly have to be addressed though, hey?
Then there’s parennial crowd favourite and ‘Oh so very nearly’ Geordie lad Steven Taylor, Saylor to his mates. He’s just coming back to form after a few months out through injury himself. He always gets stuck in and is clearly very vocal. Again, there are a few worries about time out through injury, but it’s patently obvious what Newcastle means to him. Is he ready?
So,
This is heading towards the man I feel is not only ready for the job, but deserves it – Fabricio Coloccini.
Not only for his great work on the pitch over the last couple of seasons, but for his longevity, his ever-present appearences and more especially, his attitude of wanting to make Newcastle a force again.
He never complains, he’s a consummate professional, always ready to lead from the back. He also likes to pop up with the odd really important goal too, and when he does you can see, feel and almost taste what it means to him.
Do we need someone who just does it on the pitch?
Or, do we need someone that talks to the press too?
For me it’s Colo all day long.
I feel he has the clubs interest at heart, he’s got stuck in and hung around when things went bad. Never once moaned in the press about…well, anything! He doesn’t go missing, he’s an international level player with loads of experience. In fact, just the sort of player you can happily hand the armband to and know full well that it won’t go to his head or phase him in any way. He’s grown into the position throughout his time at Newcastle.
He’s the man for the job!
Step forward Captain Colo!
Howay the Lads!
Good to see you not sitting on the fence with this one.
Good choice n all.
Wasn’t much impressed by Barton when he was captain last season, plus could well be off at the 11th hr.
No Colo is a good choice and a fans favourite. Only downside is that he isn’t very vocal during games.
Defo dont think saylor is ready for it yet, could go to his head, but maybe one for the future.
Tough call tho, maybe one of the Froggies will stand up during pre season.
:???: