I thought Clint was Captain. I see absolutely no need to change that. I thought Joey was Vice Captain. See no need to change that either. Both have been consistently excellent as Captains.
I can't believe I'm saying it but Barton is the stand out choice after last season. Hill won't play frequently enough so can be the Club Captain. Rio I say no, as a new player shouldn't step straight into a promotion winning side as captain. It shows disrespect to those who won promotion.
Very good point, mate. I would however sit him down and discuss it with him and see what his thoughts were ......................... he might not want it officially and be happy to continue running the show as it were.
The influence that Joey Barton had last year, specifically his motivation and on field demeanour - coupled with greater control of his emotions [previously exploited by opposition players] - demonstrated a previously unseen maturity to supporters and teammates alike. There's one other huge factor to consider. That of Joey Barton's judgement in engaging with Steve Black. Initially introduced and sponsored by Joey himself for his own self development. Harry Redknapp identified the immediate benefit this had on the player and was wise and brave enough to recognise the value of factoring this across the whole squad. So for me there's a tangible link here - appointing the captain as a technical and motivational leader on the pitch. Add in the off field outreach work that he carried out on his own volition last year and you have the rounded character that's unrecognisable from the reputation that was formed in his younger years.
My personal views aside, I suspect that with Mutch and Faurlin (if he is fit and on form) and also Isla as a CM alternative, Barton is not necessarily a first pick player, even more so if the de Guzman rumours are true. His 'best' position is right midfield, and he hasn't got a chance there in a 3-5-2 formation as he hasn't got the pace and has Isla and Simpson ahead of him at right wing back. I don't really think the armband makes much difference, and Ferdinand will be the de facto captain if he is on the pitch, and to be fair, Barton will be a very strong voice on the field as he was last year, if he plays.
Nail on the head. We have a number of leaders and strong characters (Barton, Ferdie, Hill, Green, Austin, Dunne...) on the pitch who will all lead with passion. I would give the figurehead armband to whoever looks most likely to be always on the team sheet, Barton or Ferdinand.
Spot on Beth. Clint is our captain and Joey is our vice captain. Joey will effectively be our match day captain.
It sounds like you think Rio is the only undroppable CB? Caulker and Onouha are better than him now, and I'd wager Dunne can do an equally good job. Rio got roasted today just before their shot that hit the bar- he won't get away with that in the PL. I reckon we'll ultimately realise our best back 3 is: Onouha-Dunne-Caulker As for Captains, I'm not sure Barton is a good pick. I think it goes to his head and possibly fires him up too much- he should focus on just playing. It's a hard one... maybe Rob Green? I actually think a fit Faurlin could do a job- he's the club's oldest servant, and seem pretty vocal on the pitch.
