Ok, as I mentioned on another thread, Barton being sent off has opened the door for someone else to captain the team ............... maybe on a permanent basis. Who should it be and should it be short or long term? You 'locals' watch the games, I'm too far away but welcome your input. Over to you ...............
Dunne if fit. A real commander on the pitch. Rio? maybe but less QPR than Dunne. Henry? I think too focused on what he does (which he generally does well) and I'm not sure has the extra capacity to captain too. Could Clint captain from the sidelines?!!
If Rio remains in the side and Hill out then I think it has to be Rio. After that, if Henry is going to be in the side for the next three games then I would say that he would be the next candidate although I have not witnessed him being that vocal, maybe a case of lead by example as he puts a shift in. From listening to CR, after the 3 match ban I would expect Barton back in the side and Captain again.
Green or Austin for me. Both lead by example. Green would get my vote. Rio would still be vocal and will lead, only not as captain as I don't think he has deserved that role with us yet.
I'd go for Green. I think he's gonna be an automatic pick, and has the years under his belt to be able to focus on his job as well as the extra burden of the captaincy. Plus he's clearly an integral and respected part of the squad. Charlie I just want to focus on sticking the ball in the net. Be as single-minded as it is humanly possible to be.
Goalies should never be on field captains...hate to say it it has to be Rio........for the next three matches. Then Barton will be back, and before anyone gets on my back...that is not because I want him to...but we are running out of players....and he will play out of his (limited) skin for us now. And we need that...we are running out of luxuries regarding players...we just need to get across the finishing line in 17th position or above....then take it from there
Completely agree with this. Green is prone to howlers so let's keep him free from any other tasks than playing his normal (best) game. Distractions won't help and his input when the ref is surrounded on the halfway line would be limited. I've given Rio a lot of stick but credit where it's due - he has done well since Christmas from what I've seen and does stay calm (as opposed to Barton) and does try to influence the other players when he's on the pitch. This all depends on Ramsey though and who he intends to play when we have less injuries - it's needs to be a permanent member of the first eleven for the next three games at least.
Henry all the way. He's the only player who is commanding enough and who might still be here next year whether we stay up or go down.
My personal preference would have been a long-serving player, as in Henry, but agree Rio probably has the greatest capacity to handle the extra responsibility.
Bobby Zamora for me. Been a massive part of our squad last season and this one too and respected by his team mates. Henry to cover when OBZ is substituted.
