So akin to Warnock's decision to allow Taarabt to wear the armband, whilst aware that Clint Hill and Shaun Derry were the actual leaders on the pitch.
Not if Ned's role is more as the Player''s rep with Management as Beth described in her post on this thread. I can't imagine Adel did that! But I agree the team have lacked leadership on the field since Barton left, and Clint going doesn't help. It probably won't be easy for a new signing to take that on straight away either.
It's more of a "there's no one else to give it to" appointment than him actually earning it again. Ned is an okay, slightly better than average championship defender, but is so far removed from a leader or captain that it's untrue. Quiet as a mouse on the pitch, and hardly puts in Steven Gerard style displays to inspire his team mates. He's got it because he's one of the longest servants at the club, because, to be honest, who else would you give it to? You can't give it to bidwell or any new signing in my opinion, as they've only just joined the club. Rock and a hard place for Jimmy to be honest.
It doesn't really matter that much. Bidwell can still act like a captain. The more of those types of characters we have on the pitch the better.
That's why letting Ale go will turn out to be JFH's biggest mistake this season. We had a natural leader with passion and a love of the club, who could easily have been team captain. .....oh, and bags of talent.
