There's whispers that Mac may switxh the captaincy over to Shelvey for the rest of the season. I have mixed feelings on this as it could split the camp. Thoughts?
Problem Big Mac had at the start of the season was Colo. At that stage he was captain and appeared probably in training to be a fairly good player and so Big Mac continued with him and decided we didn't need the extra CB back then. Sadly, Colo is not a captain and am sure Big Mac can see this but is one hell of a risk at this stage of the season and with a player who has been with us many years now. Is Shelvey the answer? Not for me as he is a serial whinger and a heads down character. For what it's worth I would possibly give it to Colback until end of season and hope that Geordie passion pays of - at least we know Colback tries and communicates!
Do it...NOW. Last time we were relegated we didn't have a captain either...anyone remember Mercenary Owen?
Not Colback for me as he's not guaranteed a starting spot. Also think Shelvey would thrive with the captaincy and the responsibility.
Make Mitrovic captain. Seriously. Give him the number 9, legally change his name to Shearer, give him facial reconstruction surgery so he looks dead like him, and tie his left arm to his chest so he can only use the right one to celebrate... It's the only way I'm going to see any Shearer in him
I'd be inclined to give it to Rob Elliot. I know Goalkeepers don't tend to get the captaincy given their distance from the play but he is the vocal one in the pre match huddles and that has to count for something. Plus his performances, thus far, have merited it. Other than him, the only other option is Colback but I don't really want him on the pitch
Preferably not but McClaren needs to have a word with him. If we are going to stay up then we need someone to keep the team energy up and keep on the other lads cases to keep them sharp. Ideally that is Colo. He has to start straight away tho. Also there is nothing wrong with saying to Shelvey that you need him to be organising things in the middle of the park without giving him the arm band.
Sissoko. It might encourage him to lead by example. He's capable, but he likes to hide in the shadows. Bit of responsibility wouldn't go amis.
If I was in charge Colo wouldn't be at the club now. He would have been shipped out at the start of the season and a new CB and captain found. I said as much at the time and was furious when they gave him a new deal. The incumbent clowns didn't do that though, so given the circumstances I'd be very tempted to leave him as club captain but drop him and make Shelvey or Wijnaldum captain in the next match. I'd rather play Taylor than Colo at the back and if Mbemba is fit again then the decision is clear - Colo out. Nobody has a divine right to be in the team, even the club captain. Can't see why anyone would think shy bairn Colback would somehow be a good choice as captain. Awful idea quite frankly, not least because he shouldn't be in the starting 11.
The mag are Saying that Colo is now OUT until April after picking up an 'injury' warming down in La Manga. I don't buy this for a minute. It's too coincidental. My guess is that he was told Shelvey was to be given the captaincy and he threw a strop. It was then decided to put out the 'injury' story to cover everyone's arse.
Either way, it's got to be good as long as we have 3 other CBs (inc Dummett) fit. Enough is enough and he has to be given the boot. I'd prefer it's not political though as we really don't need that kind of cloud hanging over the squad. Saying all that, I still fully expect him to start and captain against Stoke.
Looks like McClaren has got a way out. Colo injured in training after the Lillestrom game ( warm down ?) and out for a month. What on earth is going on with us as we have more players out whilst injured in training than in games. Looks like Shelvey will be given the captaincy which at least is a plus. CB now look like being any 2 from 3 , Lascelles, Dummett or Taylor.
Meh, doesn't really matter, you can still be a leader without the armband, at the end of the season perhaps
Not sure Jonjo is captain material but it is the making of certain players. He certainly can't do any worse in terms of leadership than Colo.
