Steve
31st January 2003, 08:25 PM
This is what I see the decision coming down to.
It would be bizarre for Nicks to have been used as trade bait and then be awarded the captaincy 3 months later. O'Loughlin needs to focus on his own game before any further responsibility is added, and on last season's form, he just doesn't deserve it.
Williams seems to be out of the running - the 'if we go for an older player it has to be Maxfield' position.
Crouch and Mathews would just be way too big a stretch at this stage surely.
The decision probably also comes down to just how highly you regard the influence/power of the captain.
Maxfield
Pros
a current vice captain - a logical progression
consummate professional in approach - an example for a young list on how to prepare yourself
experienced player - should be able to handle the added pressures
an aggressive player - a common trait of most better captains
a midfielder - should always be near to the action
a fairly 'sure bet' - ie. it isn't likely it would fail dismally and a replacement be needed
Cons
nearly 31, contracted for only 2 more years - really a s/t option
in a period of transition, perhaps not a key player who is assured of keeping his spot purely on merit
nothing specifically marketable about him as the face of the club
at 31 and coming back from injury, perhaps focussing on his own game is preferable
Saddington
Pros
a naturally mature and level-headed person
only 23 - potentially a 10-year captain if he warms to it
going to be a key player - IMO the captain needs to be one of your best players
always calm and composed on field - potentially a steadying influence/example
added responsibility could actually fast-track him to the next level as a player
although not a household name could work as a fresh face of a fresh and exciting club
Cons
realistically probably a couple of years too soon
not really a physical player with a remarkable presence on the ground
ready to emerge as a player - the concern would be whether the added burden would hold him back
as a defender possibly not fashionable as a captain
still inexperienced, without proven leadership qualities
Personally, the decision comes down to whether Saddington is ready for and could handle the role, without it adversely affecting his development as a key player.
I'm not a fan of bit-part s/t captains, which Maxfield would be. That said no-one at the club really deserves it more, and in many ways 2005 would probably be a better time for someone like Saddington to take over.
But I'm a gambling man and would like to see a punt taken on Saddington.
It would be bizarre for Nicks to have been used as trade bait and then be awarded the captaincy 3 months later. O'Loughlin needs to focus on his own game before any further responsibility is added, and on last season's form, he just doesn't deserve it.
Williams seems to be out of the running - the 'if we go for an older player it has to be Maxfield' position.
Crouch and Mathews would just be way too big a stretch at this stage surely.
The decision probably also comes down to just how highly you regard the influence/power of the captain.
Maxfield
Pros
a current vice captain - a logical progression
consummate professional in approach - an example for a young list on how to prepare yourself
experienced player - should be able to handle the added pressures
an aggressive player - a common trait of most better captains
a midfielder - should always be near to the action
a fairly 'sure bet' - ie. it isn't likely it would fail dismally and a replacement be needed
Cons
nearly 31, contracted for only 2 more years - really a s/t option
in a period of transition, perhaps not a key player who is assured of keeping his spot purely on merit
nothing specifically marketable about him as the face of the club
at 31 and coming back from injury, perhaps focussing on his own game is preferable
Saddington
Pros
a naturally mature and level-headed person
only 23 - potentially a 10-year captain if he warms to it
going to be a key player - IMO the captain needs to be one of your best players
always calm and composed on field - potentially a steadying influence/example
added responsibility could actually fast-track him to the next level as a player
although not a household name could work as a fresh face of a fresh and exciting club
Cons
realistically probably a couple of years too soon
not really a physical player with a remarkable presence on the ground
ready to emerge as a player - the concern would be whether the added burden would hold him back
as a defender possibly not fashionable as a captain
still inexperienced, without proven leadership qualities
Personally, the decision comes down to whether Saddington is ready for and could handle the role, without it adversely affecting his development as a key player.
I'm not a fan of bit-part s/t captains, which Maxfield would be. That said no-one at the club really deserves it more, and in many ways 2005 would probably be a better time for someone like Saddington to take over.
But I'm a gambling man and would like to see a punt taken on Saddington.