I think I'd probably give it Browne for his experience, there's a case to be made for Neil as well. Either one of those two. It's not like if Browne wasn't captain he'd stop demonstrating leadership on the pitch and there could be benefits to giving Neil the job. O'Nien is a good captain but CB is never ideal and he's probably best as club captain.
Think 22 is too young for a captain but that’s just me. If we aren’t going to sign a CB then O’nien is going to play so I would’ve went with him or Browne.
After Dan Neil put in a motm performance in some ****ty efl trophy game 3 or 4 years ago, Speakman came out and said they were moulding him into someone who would captain SAFC in the future. Maybe he had a plan after all . In all seriousness though, Dan is one of the best midfielders in the league and could leave to a load of prem clubs if he wanted. Good luck to the lad and hopefully he leads us to a successful season.
Kind of agree on essence, but I think if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. Still think if Ekwah had been sent off against Boro we don’t lose anywhere near what we did. Because, imo Neil is a born leader here. Reminds me of Henderson ina lot of ways
All depends what players are like in the dressing room, i want my captain to be respected by his teammates but someone who i totally trust as well. From what I've seen and heard i think Neil fits that, i hear hes great with talking to managers/coaches and challenges them in a real professional way - hes always wanting to improve himself n the team, which a captain should do. O9 is amazing as a leader, from what I've been told but he would be like that no matter what as would Browne as think it comes naturally to both now Neil as captain might just take him up another level and i think he would relish being captain Ballard leads by example on the pitch for sure but i heard hes really quiet off it, again I like someone who is vocal (in the right way) as captain
If it was based on ability he’s definitely worthy of it but imo captaincy isn’t about how good you are, I think with age and experience comes that know how and wisdom. I’m thinking of PL captains and I think they’re all older than 30 bar maybe Odegaard? Obviously we don’t have an abundance of older, experienced players to choose from though lol! Big responsibility for the lad for sure, think far too many shirked away from it last season didn’t seem like there was any leadership on the pitch at times hopefully the new gaffer can emphasise how important it is to be heard
Main benefit of O’Nien being captain was that he got to talk to the referee, he could legitimately be in their ear all game, either charming them or just worming away.
Leadership isn’t about age. If the lad has the respect of the dressing room he is suitable for it. He plainly does and will because of his application on and off the park. The fact he is Sunderland to the core also brings that passion and extra motivation. Luke as ‘club captain’ is a given I’d think.
Think he was 26 wasn’t he? Was made captain before the World Cup tho so might well have been. Not saying it’s impossible for Neil to be a good captain whatsoever just quite irregular to give it to such a young player
Just checked mate he was made captain at 23 so you aren’t wrong! Lifted the trophy a few years later aged 25
