New West Ham boss, Slaven Billic, will undoubtedly want to have his 'general' on the field, obviously it will not be Kevin Nolan, but who? Firstly who ever it is will need to be able to speak a bit of french and spanish as well as english and geordie! The arrival of Dimitri Payet and Pedro Obiang is a clear illustration of where the club is going, a more 'continental' balance while still retaining a UK identity, the question is who is best suited to what could be a rather difficult role? There will be plenty of large ego's to contend with, none larger than many million pound signing Dimitri Payet, one player who seems a perfect fit is not actually officially a Hammer, Alex Song. Should the deal cheekily being arranged to get him on a free transfer from FC Barcelona succeed, then Song could be awarded the arm band. Rumour has it that Song was promised the Captaincy as a carrot to lure him to the club for his loan spell, and that he was less than pleased to see 'Nobby Nolan' deny him it, this was a possible reason for his spectacular dip in form during a season he started so brilliantly.
Mark Noble is a Hammer through and through, he has recently signed a five year deal and would make a superb vice captain, but his lack of pace and slightly limited playing style might make him a less attractive proposition to Slaven Billic, Noble would be a fans' favourite, but he may not even make the first team on a continually regular basis this season, particularly if the current midfield recruitment campaign continues at it's current pace.
This leaves Winston Reid, another player secured on a long term deal, he ticks all the boxes and would present a stylish and mature captain figure, Reid has been round the block enough to know what's what and is used to pressure, also he is a player who will not suffer fools gladly, no matter how big their bank account is!
It is unlikely that a new captain will be a player without some previous connection to the club, but this is West Ham United, so you never know. One thing for sure, it is an exciting time to be a Hammer, a time made even more enjoyable by the constant griping of others who think 'good ol' west 'am' shouldn't be moving in to a Stadium that could help them break the monopoly of the Premier League's top dogs! -Ed
Comments
Song for captain
He has a lot of premier league experience and on the few times he led the club when Nolan was out I thought he did a good job. I agree that Noble would be the favourite but as you stated I can't see him getting much game time with the midfield players we now have.
I'm pretty sure it will be
I'm pretty sure it will be Winston Reid. Bilic will probably want a captain in his own image and as a formidable centre half in his day, Bilic will graduate towards Reid, I'm certain....
I thought it would be written
I thought it would be written in the stars for noble to lead us out at the OS not so sure now has been off his game for months, but that can be said for song if he signs reid also, didn't see a leadership in any of em, bilics call who will impress him? i do like captains that are defenders though, they see the whole picture
Good article Nev and
Good article Nev and definitely open to some debate. Nolan no chance. Noble would have been the fans choice at the start of last season and played well for half the season. Like the rest of the players they thought it would be a coast and then could not find another gear to give themselves a chance of a better finish. Noble couldn't inspire the team, and I think that counts against him taking the reins now. Winston Reid, great shout and speaking of carrots could well have had this one dangled as we look to move to a new greater era. Would get my backing as he could well grow into a Ferdinand or Terry type leader as we hope to pressure the top clubs in the next few years and as captain I think he could well aspire to that level. Not long ago He seemed destined for Arsenal, a club who could well present a solid challenge for the title.
For me though I think it's Song. If he can secure the same level of play as he showed in the early third of the season, he's a calibre of player the whole team could look toward. With better quality players purchased and the better players from last season available to Bilic he I'll want someone on the pitch who can change the game and inspire those around him to take the bull by the horns.
It's great for options to be there to choose from and shows we're heading in the right direction, and you're right, those who think we're getting above ourselves you're just gonna have to deal with it and we have lots more chapters in the history of this club to be written and they could be just around the corner. COYI
You don't
have to be the best player to be the captain, you need someone with a leadership talent and that is only seen on the training ground so it is very hard for us to comment.
i think...
it should be Alex song
The Terminator is back!
Talking of captains welcome back Julian Dicks as a full-time coaching assistant,fantastic appointment COYI
I can't believe people are
I can't believe people are suggesting Alex Song - if there's someone on the pitch who you would expect to rally the players and get them playing until the death I'm sure its not him. Don't you remember how quickly he went off the boil last season - his lackadaisical passing and concentration, poor decision making at times and holding onto the ball too long? He has real ability and definitely adds class to the side WHEN he is playing well, but you really need someone gritty, determined and passionate to lead the squad - the obvious choice being Nobes.
i can't see Noble getting
i can't see Noble getting much game time this year, i know he would be many fans choice but you can't have a captain who's not playing, my choice would be Reid
I fear you may be right about
I fear you may be right about Noble, although it makes me sad to think. Reid is a good choice for 2nd in command although I would through a wild card in the mix too and try Adrian with the armband - seems like a great guy and although he does some crazy things he has bags of passion and determination!
I think the favourite must be
I think the favourite must be Song,widely respected footballer who has played at the highest level as a player.He will be a regular starter in the side and his presence is commanding when considering his pre-Christmas form.He has the French language connection which will be very useful in communicating to the other French players in the side so he will be the obvious candidate.