Does captaincy really matter in the modern game?

This week we have seen a big debate over the England captaincy. The debate has centred on whether returning Rio Ferdinand will re-take the captaincy from midfielder Steven Gerrard.

England boss Fabio Capello has decided that Ferdinand will re-take the captaincy for tonight’s fixture against Montenegro.

Leaders

Both players have good leadership skills. The pair has captained their club sides and in Gerrard’s case has dragged them through some awful times.

Gerrard is Liverpool’s heart and soul a true leader of his team and club. Ferdinand has recently lost the captain’s armband at Manchester United to fellow centre-back Nemanja Vidic. However when he was captain he lead the team and said all the right things.

Disappointed

Liverpool captain Gerrard revealed his disappointment at losing the captaincy by telling Sky Sports: “I am disappointed I am not going to be leading the boys out,”

“It has been a terrific experience. I have loved every minute.

“But I totally understood the situation from day one the reason why I became stand-in captain. Now Rio is back fit he gets the job.”

Choice

England boss Fabio Capello might not have had to make the decision if defenders Phil Jagielka and John Terry didn’t pick up injuries. There was speculation that Ferdinand wouldn’t have got back in the team but he is now crucial with only three fit centre-backs available.

Old Fashioned

In the old days of football the captain of the side would be a big influence on the team. However times have changed and so has the role of captain. I always remember when I was younger that most side’s captains were centre-backs, who regularly shoved and cajole their teammates into performing.

I remember the likes of Steve Bruce at Manchester United, Dave Watson at Everton and Tony Adams at Arsenal. These were real leaders of men. They were hard individuals who were their manager’s eyes, ears and heart on the pitch.

However like everything in football these characters are dying out. They are rare because young footballers don’t like to be pushed around or shouted at and are spoilt. That means captains can longer really give their teammates a rollicking to up their performances.

Terry

Chelsea’s John Terry fell into the category of old fashioned tough centre-back who could get more out of his teammates. Now we all know why he lost the captaincy but he was a good captain, even if he allegedly wasn’t a very good husband.

Wrong

I believe that England boss Fabio Capello has got it wrong in the selection of his captain. Even as an Everton fan I believe that Gerrard should continue as captain. I have nothing against Rio Ferdinand it’s just that I think Gerrard always seems to be a good leader on the pitch.

Who should be England’s captain?