I still think Clint can fight for his place in the team. I can't really say Caulker or Onuoha are necessarily better than him overall. With that said, I think Onuoha and Caulker will do well and will have good form, so I don't think will get too much of a look in due to his age and investment in the future.
Difficult. The only reason I can see it not being Barton is that he's still very outspoken on twitter, and the risk of your club captain bringing the club into disrepute on social media would be a concern. Plus, his last Premiership game didn't exactly go too well... I agree with Clint as club captain, with maybe Rob Green as an option should they decide that Barton is too risky?
Who else are good leaders on the pitch? Onuoha could do it. He's a good character. Charlie should be left to concentrate on scoring. Ferdinand is an obvious pick but he should have to earn the right at QPR. Faurlin maybe but his English could do with a bit of touching up!
I would expect it to be Barton, rightly or wrongly.....he took over as captain when Hill went off in both PO semi and Final, he was also skip last saturday against Shamrock Rovers. Plus of the obvious candidates, Hill, Dunne, Ferdinand he is the one most likely to feature this season, I can see the other 3 mentioned alternating in the CB position depending on fitness.......
Barton is the obvious choice. He is a natural leader once his mind is right. Appears to be a reformed character.
Agree. Clint as club captain and then whoever is best placed on the pitch in his absence. That at least removes excessive focus should Barton or Ferdinand or whoever say or do something stupid - they're not as definitively representing the club. Well they all are but you know what I mean (I hope).
Is this the same Joey we are talking about who did have a bit hostile reception about a year ago when he came back from france.....
Predictable to see everyone writing off Clint yet again. Fourth season running - must be some kind of record. I fully expect him to be playing a part by mid September at the latest.
Only in League Cup. I love Clint but since the WBA away game and then home to Liverpool, he knows he cannot cope with the pace of the premier league. Maybe harsh,but true.
The captain should be the first name on the team sheet and expected to play every game, no one with injury issues and preferably no one with disciplinary problems. Unfortunately that rules out our entire squad except Green. Would still give it to Joey though, think he shoved a much improved attitude last season considering all the targeting he got from the opposition. Hill as club captain will only be a figurehead and I see no point in that. He would still be a leader in the group no doubt.
Obviously we all love Clint, but I can't see him being a starter for over 50% of games. I expect it to be Joey, with Rob Green next choice, maybe Rio has an outside chance.
