By E-Mail Submission
June 27 2005

An article recieved regarding the future captain on Newcastle United. Alan Shearer is retiring at the end of this season.. who will take over as captain? Jenas has been tipped, although some prefer Boumsong. One reader gives his view.. With Alan Shearer retiring at the end of this season, many people wonder how Newcastle United will be able to replace him as a striker; however there is more than just his goals that need to be replaced. Shearer has been the captain of Newcastle almost ever since he signed for the club in the summer of 1996, and the character to take over the captains armband will need the leadership qualities Shearer has; determination, charisma, and motivation, not to mention raw ability on the playing field.

One of the options Souness has mentioned is 22-year-old Jermaine Jenas. Jenas has had mixed fortunes since his £5 million move from Nottingham Forest. After impressing during his first two seasons since Sir Bobby Robson signed the youngster, his progress appears to have slowed down. Injury problems have not helped, however Souness has revealed exactly how important he sees Jenas to his future plans, "I made him captain last year and that shows what I think of him," the Newcastle manager said. Perhaps giving Jenas the captains’ role was some early evidence that he is being groomed to take over from Shearer? Jenas also said while he was captain, “Its something I’ve always wanted to do,” and this sort of desire could see him be Shearer’s successor. Being in central midfield would be likely to swing in his favor, as many people regard being on the focal point of the pitch gives a captain the edge over other positions, where players are sometimes less involved.

Another candidate could be Souness’ transfer window acquisition Jean-Alain Boumsong. The centre back impressed during his first season at St. James’ Park, shoring up the defense and bringing out the best form from his defensive partner Titus Bramble the Newcastle faithful have ever seen, who many people had resigned to thinking was a no-hoper. This positive effect Boumsong had on Bramble could well make him favourite to inherit the armband, as it is the effect a captain has on other players which is vital. Boumsong’s style of play is certainly suited to being a leader. The Frenchman is extremely composed, organized, and a lot of his game is based on his physical attributes, such as speed and power. On top of that, Boumsong has experience of leadership from his time at Rangers, where he was captain many times. The 25 year old would be many United fans first choice of captain, and having the edge over Jenas in terms of experience may well see him be the immediate successor to Shearer.

One other surprise candidate could be new arrival Scott Parker, recently signed for £6.5m from Chelsea. The ex-Charlton central midfielder could well have what it takes. He is strong in the tackle, very determined and covers a lot of the pitch with his energy and movement. Souness was certainly full of praise for his signing, "He got into the team at Charlton as a young lad, showed a determination along with his ability that marked him out as being a special player,” showing just how much the man in charge rates him. He has one season on Tyneside before Shearer ends his career, and if he impresses he could well be a candidate for the future captain.

Finally, it would not make sense to have an article on this topic without including the player with most club appearances after Shearer himself, Shay Given. The consistent shot stopper is always a guarantee for the starting line-up in a first choice squad, and without him Newcastle would be a very different team. He has the ability to make a save out of nowhere, is always concentrating and is also a reassuring character to have behind the sometimes shaky back four. However, despite all this, I would say it is unlikely that Souness will choose a keeper to lead the team. Despite some successful goalkeeping captains in premiership history, the favourable choice would normally be an outfield player, as goalkeepers are often too uninvolved. Furthermore, it is a lot harder to communicate from the goalmouth than the centre of the park, and for these reasons it is unlikely that Given will take over.

Of course, with the promised transfer market activity there could well be some more new faces who could stake a claim for the job. Shearer himself has said he will not be able to play full games week in week out, so this season should prove to be good experience for the players who have what it takes to lead Newcastle United F.C, and replace the Newcastle hero.

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