Newcastle United legend Micky Quinn has expressed his delight at Jamaal Lascelles being handed the club captaincy.
Following the departure of veteran Fabricio Coloccini this summer, Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez needs to appoint a new club captain and a bit surprisingly, the Spaniard seems to have gone with the choice of Jamaal Lascelles.
While the decision has not been made official as of yet, many believe that Lascelles will be leading the Newcastle team out during their Championship opener against Fulham on Friday night as the defender has been handed the armband throughout pre-season.
In addition, Benitez has dropped a huge hint that Lascelles is the new club captain by stating that the 22-year-old has the right ‘mentality’ to become a leader.
The St. James’ Park faithful have been encouraged by Lascelles potentially taking up the Newcastle captaincy and now former Magpies’ star Micky Quinn has also gone on to express his delight at the prospective appointment by stating that the former Nottingham Forest star is an epitome of mental strength.
In his column for the Chronicle, Quinn stated, “It’s still to be confirmed, but it looks like Jamaal Lascelles is going to be Newcastle United’s new captain. I’m really pleased about that because I like the kid. As well as being a good player, Lascelles also showed leadership qualities in Newcastle’s relegation battle.
“You have to be mentally strong to get out of the Championship, and he epitomises that. Rafa Benitez is building a new, younger squad with a more British feel about it, so he is an obvious choice to be its captain.
“By replacing Fabricio Coloccini with Lascelles, it’s out with the past and in with someone new and hungry. Lascelles is only 22, and has started just ten league games for Newcastle. But he’s got experience of the Championship from his time with Nottingham Forest and he’s got a mature head on his shoulders.”
