Having donned my flame-proof suit, I'll pose the question. And not just on the back of this result. But doesn't it make more sense to name either Barton or Lee as captain? They both have the experience and commitment and more importantly are better placed on the field to do the job properly. And seem to be more positive motivators.

Nothing against Big Al, but he'd be better off concentrating on his own game up front.

Let the flames begin! :-)

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2000

Answers

I don't think it matters much who wears the armband Ciara. Perhaps Barton should retrain as a centre back , as he had a hell of a game today. I think I would prefer him in the centre than a sub standard Chinaman or an Argentinean dwarf. As for Lee, we were better when he came off by the sounds of things, can't remebber him being mentioned much when he was on the pitch.

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2000

That's something I have been saying for the longest time. We NEED the Captain to be somewhere at the back, DIRECTING the team. Al cannot do that from his position. Given the team today, especially losing both Goma and Hughes early on, I think we did a helluva job. I would prefer YBR gives the armband back to Lee, and keep AS happy by making him the Club Captain (or Duke of York, King of Northumbria, whatever). Leave the team captaincy to RL. AS might then have only to think about scoring goals. Barton would be, and is, a great fill in as captain, but a little too inconsistent. When Lee finally hangs up his boots, or leaves, then Wozza is a natural replacement as Captain. Howay Bobby...Make it so!

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2000

Metro have just said Shearer could be away for a month, so in that case we can try another captain for a while Bobby Lee gets my vote , and what about Barton my foot is well and truly in my mouth after the comment si made the other day , Now if I slag of speed will he start playing well.

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2000

Too late - according to the Metro commentators GS also played pretty well today. Worked like a Trogan.

Be interesting to hear from our own 'observers' at the game.

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2000

When KK bought Barton in what seems like last century but in fact was only 5 years ago, he predicted that Barton would be a great captain for Newcastle and England. It's interesting that KK could have made both of these predictions come true himself.

A captain needs the right attitude and Barton has the right attitude in spades. He'd be a great captain. If he can pass on any his spirit & enthusiasm to his teammates our performances could only improve.

Lee must be of an age where he can't expect to play every match so I suspect is not really a contender for the role on a permanent basis.

That really only leaves Speed, with Hughes far too young although he has the right attitude and plays in an appropriate position. One for the future quite possibly.

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2000

Could Barton do a good job in the centre of defence??? Anyone remember how he did in the past as im sure he played a few games there under Gullit/TSM??? Perhaps he cud be the answer to our lack of commanding centre backs! Along with Caldwell u cud see them both keeping the defence+midfield motivated. Certainly seemed to work a treat today or did Villa just go off the boil?

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2000

It makes absolute sense Ciara. Shearer is a great center forward but IMHO was never a good club captain. Too petulant by far. Maybe this crisis can help the other player’s blossom. Perhaps the style of "get a cross in for Shearer" stifles the natural talents of the Cordones and Solanoes.

We may get a few tonkings over the next month but who knows! Maybe a "New Order" will surface

Plus Rob Lee throwing the captain’s arm band down! If that is true the guy needs to take a serious look at himself and his game. Petulant or what!!!!!

If anything we won't be as predictable as we have been. Opposition team talks must have lasted all of 30 secs

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2000

Well, I've always been an advocate of the skipper leading from the back, or perhaps a commander in midfield. I've never liked a skipper who is up front. Barton would do a crackin' job as skipper as far as I'm concerned. However, he's less likely to play as many games as SHearer over a season. Same for Rob Lee. So who would get the armband if they weren't playing. Shearer??

As for Barton at CB - not my favourite, tho to be honest, I don't think I've seen enough of him in that position to comment. However, on paper, I don't think he's tall enough.

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2000

I dunno....other than Shearer, Cordone and Gallacher, they're ALL pretty dang tall to me! It's like standing in a forest!

Back on the topic...Wasn't Nobby captain of Peru? At least he could talk to half his teammates at NUFC. Probably more communication than has gone on up til now. ;-)

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2000