Of all the players and the manager that were the centre of gripes over desire, ability or tactics yesterday evening, the absence of any comment on the captain's role speaks volumes. Yes we have the talent. And as the half time substitutes evidenced, we have a manager that is not afraid to make big changes if something's not working. We have a plan b. Where though is the enforcer holding the players to account on the field? The cultural architect of the team setting the tone and drive. I seem to recall Clint Hill lamenting the poor discipline last year, but as captain I would like to see him standing shoulder to shoulder with HR in driving this into the team on the pitch. Not a retrospective nod that things weren't right in a few month's time. I'm convinced that this is where Joey Barton has his greatest influence. Aided by the fact that he has been one of the most talented, consistent and committed players. Leading by example. And thus expecting the same of all others. If Harry Redknapp wants to shake things up and keep the players on their toes he could do no worse than drop Clint Hill to the bench, bring in Nedum Onuaha and place the arm band and his trust in Joey Barton.
I still marvel that we are speaking thus about JB but it is a yes from me too. Not so sure about dropping Clint. I feel that he and Dunne have an understanding that I am not sure exists between either of them and Ned - yet.
I like Ned too. He may not have the understanding that Hill/Dunne have at this stage in the season, but he won't make the defensive line any worse with his inclusion and he will build an understanding with his partners (Dipunne/Hill). Maybe it's time for Dunne/Hill to take rests to recover and partner the younger guy. But, I just don't know how their bodies are responding at this stage of the season. That all said it's not our defence that is the biggest problem. It's our midfield/attack that need to work much better to create/put away chances (passing forward [accurately] with conviction would be much better to see) and to put some of those numerous opportunities away. On JB - not sure giving him the armband will make it any easier for him. Just easier for others to identify him, wind him up further and make him feel he has to respond to every event (where he has at times been far to over-reactive for his, and the teams, own good). I'd rather he took the role of midfield general and was asked to lead that unit without the armband.
I know it's just my opinion but JB is not a DCM and is not an enforcer. I don't see any aggression in his performances that would indicate that. Derry was the last authentic DCM that we had. Henry can also play this position but he's not very good. Again, this is probably going against the grain but I think JBs distribution this year has been average to poor. He gives the ball away far to easily for my liking. In his defence, he's an honest pro who will run the hard yards which is sadly not the case with many others who have worn out jersey over the last few years.
