Potential candidates for captaincy

As Newcastle’s season limps to a bitter close and still not entirely safe from beating the drop, there have been several talks from fans, journalists and the board alike for the summer ahead. From a new Head Coach appointment, to new signings, player clear outs and pre-season tours, it seems as if not much time will be taken off by the board anytime soon to strategise for a new campaign and be sure the club aren’t in a situation like this going into next season, where the even more vast cash cow of the Premier League from 2016 increases ten fold.

What the club needs is new leaders, from top to bottom. New owner, new head coach, new managing director and more specifically a new captain. Fabricio Coloccini’s been far from his usual high standards this season, with his heart clearly lying in San Lorenzo, as he eyes a move in the not too distant future.

With that said, here are a handful of candidates I could see potentially taking over the armband going into next season’s campaign.

Daryl Janmaat

Arguably the stand out player for the season, Janmaat has continued his tremendous form from last summer’s World Cup campaign with Holland, filling in at centre half, creating and scoring goals as well as a storming defensive performance down the right. He’s a natural leader and, even after just one year, I’d happily see him leading Newcastle out next season.

Siem De Jong

Janmaat’s fellow compatriot would be another strong contender. Initially vice-captain this season, De Jong unfortunately has spent most of the campaign out with various injuries. A fresh start with the armband next season would be just what he needs. Previously captaining Ajax, De Jong is another natural leader and talisman for the squad to look up to.

Steven Taylor

Now, personally I’ve always thought a captain should be a centre-half, looking down the whole pitch and analysing all ahead of him. Local lad aside, I’d hope the armband could help calm him down and not give away as many daft fouls as he has done previously, as the responsibility of captaincy may force him to act with more composure.

Jack Colback

Again, another arguably standout player for Newcastle in yet another mundane season, Colback has seemingly fitted into the Magpie’s midfield without a fuss, straight from a controversial move 13 miles down the road at Sunderland. Colback plays for the cause, he fights for the shirt, he wears his jersey with pride, with many fans living through his on-field spirit. Contributing goals, assist, chances and a tireless work rate for his team around him, Jack could easily step-up to the responsibility. My only concern with this choice would be that he doesn’t seem to have that brash, authoritative manner about him to make others respect him as a senior figure. But who knows, perhaps they would listen to him as a leader in time.

Karl Darlow

I’ve seen Darlow – currently out on loan at Nottingham Forest – commanding his penalty box with authority on a number of occasions, showing the potential to become a great goalkeeper, capable of playing at the top level. An outside shot, yes. However, I think a summer clear out should see some new faces get more senior roles going into the new campaign.

The final option would bring in a head coach and captain combination to come into the club, take the proverbial bull by the horns and call the shots from there. A sort of Neil Warnock / Paddy Kenny situation, or Sam Allardyce / Kevin Nolan if you will.

As stated previously, this club needs more leadership throughout, and a captain to show a bit more aggression for others to stand up, listen and want to be counted. The club needs more characters, more leaders ala Barton, Nolan, Speed, Lee, Solano, Dabizas, Harper – I could go on. Characters like these are desperately needed, particularly if John Carver’s collective chaos don’t beat the drop come May.