When Lascelles is injured the captaincy always goes to Jonjo Shelvey.
I was going to say I have no idea whatsoever as to why. However, I do – it’s because Bruce plays him every game and sees him as a leader. I’m going to guess that other than Bruce, only Shelvey agrees!
Quite how the armband doesn’t go to someone like Matt Ritchie in situations like this is beyond me.
Even Paul Dummett – he isn’t quite as vocal as Ritchie but he leads by example and wears his heart on his sleeve much more than Shelvey, I’m sure. It could be that neither Ritchie nor Dummett are available enough but they are both better leaders than Shelvey.
For me it has to be Ritchie if he’s in the side. He leads by example, has been at the club a long time, is vocal and drives the team on – and doesn’t let his head drop like Shelvey.
He’d be my choice, yet there’s several others far more worthy of the armband than Shelvey.
Paul Dummett has been captain before as has Fernandez as well. Both to me would be better choices as a vice captain. Dummett deserves his place in the side and understands what it is to be a Newcastle player and always gives 100% – not to mention the fact he’s a pretty solid defender when fit!
Fernandez always seems to me to be in charge when he’s in the team and looks a real steadying influence and remember when you say he’s a former Argentina International we aren’t talking about someone that only has one or two caps.
Isaac Hayden is another I’d pick before Shelvey. Is there a player in the squad who plays better by example and is an automatic first choice when fit? He’d be someone that I would absolutely trust to live and wear the armband.
Even Dubravka should be considered and this is another reason why he gets in before Darlow. As good as Darlow has been and whilst having no issue if he returns between the sticks, you wouldn’t mark him out as captaincy material or a leader. Whilst the opposite could be said of Dubravka.
An experienced international and senior player I always feel he’s very vocal and a calming influence on those around him. He never looks flustered and he is someone we rely on in so many situations.
In truth there are far more worthy candidates for the role than Shelvey. Remember too that it is rumoured that one of the reasons a fairly good Joe Willock isn’t starting is apparently down to Shelvey not liking him and you could argue he’s not even a team player.
One defence breaking pass every blue moon is not a reason for either keeping him in the side let alone making him captain. Or am I missing something?
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Ritchie is the obvious choice even with Lascelles available.
Joseph(Quote)
This post is spot on I don’t know how Shelvey gets a game and if he is the reason Willock isn’t starting that is shocking
James Ross(Quote)
Your headline was almost right, but you should have just left it at “I have no idea.”
Helen Clarey(Quote)