Throughout Newcastle United’s 2014-15 campaign, there were many instances when the lack of leadership was too evident during the many tough times the club experienced. Current captain Fabricio Coloccini went missing too often and failed to display the leadership qualities that we see from the likes of John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Roy Keane in his Manchester United days. It is unsure if Coloccini is going to retain the armband, but the general consensus is that Steve McClaren will select a new captain which could ease the pressure on the Argentine.
Moussa Sissoko, Daryl Janmaat and Siem de Jong are believed to be among the contenders to become Coloccini’s successor, but Outside90’s Anthony Margaretic believes Jack Colback would be the perfect skipper for the Toon.
The 25-year-old, born and bred in Newcastle, signed from Sunderland 12 months ago and was a shining light in a disappointing season last time around. After the 3-0 defeat to Leicester in late April, caretaker manager John Carver launched a scathing attack on his players, with the exception of Colback. Carver spoke about the midfielder saying, “if I had 11 Jack Colback’s in that dressing room working as hard as he does for the team we would be heroes.” That is what the fans want, people who are prepared to work hard and give everything with determination and desire.
“If you are in the box and get a cut on the head then the fans love that, you will get freedom of the city,” John Carver might have made some rather questionable and even laughable claims during his five months in charge, but he could not have summed up the effort and commitment of Colback any better. He had a stellar 2014-15 season, making 35 appearances and scoring four goals, including a fine strike from outside the penalty area on New Years Day against Burnley. He was always willing to put his body on the line when no one else would, collecting 12 yellow cards for his troubles. Whilst the line between passion and ill-discipline is a fine one, Colback did not lose his cool unlike some of his team mates. Whenever he was given a booking, he was able to change his style of play and avoid an early shower, whereas more senior players Coloccini, Moussa Sissoko, Mike Williamson and Janmaat were all unnecessarily sent-off at some point last season. The aforementioned Sissoko and Williamson even managed to get themselves red carded twice, completely letting down their side.
Despite his connections to bitter rivals Sunderland, Colback became a quick fan favourite because of the passion he displayed, appearing to be the most popular choice for nw captain. But it is not just the fans who think this. It seems as though the new manager rates Colback as a potential leader. He has been working with Steve McClaren, leading the club in training sessions, and he is getting a big chance to showcase his leadership skills – leading the Magpies in their opening preseason hit-out against Gateshead FC.
It is clear that Coloccini’s time as captain is up. He does not have the same kind of connection with fans as he used to, and his behaviour on the pitch last season was less than what expected from your so called ‘leader.’ A prime example of this was his dismassal at Everton, when Newcastle were a goal down and chasing the game. The Geordies went on the lose 3-0. He is not the same kind of defender as in his younger days, certainly not up to the task of being the captain of a club that desperately needs strong leadership and a role model, such as was seen over the last 15 years in Kevin Nolan and club icon Alan Shearer.
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Hopefully the new bearer of the armband will come in the form of Colback, who has shown maturity beyond his years and is always willing to acknowledge when his performances have not been the greatest. During a 10 game winless run at the back end of last season, he admitted, “the fans deserve more from us, we must improve fast and stop feeling sorry for ourselves.” It is this sort of initiative which has been missing too often for Newcastle and with a new era beginning at St James’ Park under Steve McClaren, the time is ripe for a change of leadership. At 25-years of age with his best years ahead of him, Colback ticks all of the boxes required and is the perfect candidate to lead his boyhood club this season. Give him the armband McClaren, you have got nothing to lose.
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it’s debatable whether he should be a starter let alone captain.