If Henry leaves, Cesc for captain?

Trevheff · Post by **Trevheff** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 10:34 pm

OK not 100% convinced myself and I know there are more obvious candidates, but when I think about it for a while it isn't as daft as it first sounds.

He's young granted, 20 years a 3 months come the start of the season to be precise. But a certain Tony Adams was made captain at 21 yrs and 3 mths and we all know how that turned out. And lets face it Cesc isn't your average 20 year old. He's been in the side for 3 seasons now and has quickly become the heart beat of our team. OK he still has some petulant moments, but overall he plays with a maturity that belies his age. And maybe giving him the armband will help complete his maturity that bit quicker. I believe he's the type of person who could use the captaincy to take him to the next level, as inconcievable as that may sound seeing how good he already is! In terms of passion, desire and will to win, he ticks all the right boxes.

I already feel in many ways that Cesc leads us on the pitch given how much of the play is orchestrated by him. The concern would be overburdening him too early in his career, but not only do I feel he's ready, but Gilberto and Kolo are the type of characters that whether they are wearing the armband or not, they will still perform as leaders on the pitch. I also think they are the type of guys not to get their noses put out of joint by feeling they have been overlooked for the captaincy. A quiet word from Arsene along the lines of; "Guys we're moving into a new era, I want to build around Cesc but you two will play a vital role in supporting him and driving the team on" wouldn't go a miss.

I know Cesc has publicly expressed his desire to return to Spain while still in his prime, and I respect him for that. But fingers crossed, that could still give us a 5/6 years of service (linked heavily to Arsene as we know). But maybe being our skipper could convince him to stay longer. Vieira made it plainly clear in his autobiography that being capatin probably influenced his decision to stay at Arsenal. Just maybe we could get a few more years out of Cesc when he is in his prime by giving him the honour of being our leader?

And finally if Henry is to leave, I think as a club we need to send a message that we're moving forward and that Arsene has a clear idea as to the direction he's taking the team, something that didn't happen when Vieira left. Gilberto and Toure are the obvious successors to Thierry, but for me it would feel like they've just taken over as captain as Henry is no longer here, almost as if by default.

Give it to Cesc. A clear sign that we're now in a new era, we've moved on from Henry and we now have a new leader. It would freshen things up nicely and personally I would feel very proud to see Cesc lead us out. I can't see Arsene doing it as I think he'll be concerned about asking too much of a player he relies on to play so many games. But the more I think about it the more I like the sound of it.

What do you think guys?

mrmage · Post by **mrmage** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 1:29 am

No, I think it would have to be Gilberto. He's shown in the last few months how good he can be, stood in for TH when he was out and has the most experience. And ran things for Brazil at Wembley!

If I was him I'd feel pretty p.o.'d if Cesc was given it, especially after other teams have shown an interest in him. And what messages does it send to the other players if they see Cesc take it? Whoever is worth the most is the leader?

Also, think Kolo flaps a bit sometimes, I think he will make a future captain though.

Not sure if Thierry ever was the best choice for captain. Too much ego, which is not a bad thing for a striker. And from that past tense, I think he's gone, just hope its for alot of money. And he wins the CL and finishes the trophy cabinet. We're not going to see another one like him..

green gooner · Post by **green gooner** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 10:30 am

Kolo Toure would get my vote. Mr Dependable for a new age

Gunnerz4life · Post by **Gunnerz4life** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 11:00 am

Looking at the current squad one thing that kinda stands out and makes me sad is the lack of players who are through and through Arsenal. There are no Bergkamps, Tony Adams or even Martin Keowns. To add to that there is a lack of leadership qualities in the squad. I feel one or two is more capable and qualified to be a captain just by default. I think Gilberto did alright as a captain, we should probably stick with him regardless of whether or not Henry leaves. Apart from Gilberto, the only other option is Kolo. One positive thing about these 2, wont expect them to talk and talk about how its their dream to play in certain clubs and how its a honour and what not to be linked with them at the start of every season, or i would hope not.

demzy · Post by **demzy** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 11:03 am

green gooner wrote:Kolo Toure would get my vote. Mr Dependable for a new age

I agree................ King Kolo for captain!!

He's no stranger either, having captained the side in the carling cup last season.

IbleedRED&WHITE · Post by **IbleedRED&WHITE** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 11:03 am

It doesnt sound like a bad plan...but if Henry goes then i'd expect Cesc to follow suit and leave quite soon after. Maybe he will stay on next year as Wenger has pledged to see out the remaining one year on his contract. All depends on what Mr Wenger does at the end on next season. maybe he will move upstairs in the dien role? if we brought in another insprirational manager it could herald the beginning of some great times...could go tits up!!! Thats why its exciting to be a gooner!!!

Either way with Henry he has given up some fantastice seasons and we couldnt have done it without him (the last double, the untouchables) but the team will always go on and what ever Henry decides to do its better to have loved and lost than to not have loved at all!!!

Im welling up here!

we_are_the_arsenal · Post by **we_are_the_arsenal** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 11:07 am

he doesnt deserve to be an arsenal captain if he is all ready thinking about leaving the club.

green gooner · Post by **green gooner** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 2:54 pm

Are we all jumping the gun a tad with all this exit door talk? Not one person has left yet! Well, nobody of any great importance...............

Post by **T.S** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 3:02 pm

Cesc for captain? No way. The guy has Barcelona in his heart, so why pretend otherwise? I'll just be happy getting his best years and then wishing him well when he does (inevitably) go.

To be honest with you, I don't think there is one member of our team who is captain material, but if I had to choose someone, it'd be King Kolo. I'd even like Jens as captain, but I think he's a bit too mental...

Malicious_Nw1 · Post by **Malicious_Nw1** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 3:15 pm

[quote="mrmage"]No, I think it would have to be Gilberto. He's shown in the last few months how good he can be, stood in for TH when he was out and has the most experience. And ran things for Brazil at Wembley!

quote]

i agree gilberto for captain if thierry leaves

donaldo · Post by **donaldo** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 9:43 am

tonysaunders wrote:
To be honest with you, I don't think there is one member of our team who is captain material, but if I had to choose someone, it'd be King Kolo. I'd even like Jens as captain, but I think he's a bit too mental...

Too right we haven"t got a natural leader like Vieira and Adams.Gilberto just doesn"t inspire me. I would choose Kolo just because of his enthusiasm.Jens would get sent off decking the opposing captain while tossing the coin,Hopefully Terry.

tenementfunster5 · Post by **tenementfunster5** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 11:33 pm

If Henry leaves then King Kolo should be made captain. He is the only player to show real leadership qualities. He looks the most likely to get hold of people and put them in their place. Fabregas will lead through his performances but he can do that without the burden of captaincy. Toure can shoulder this burden easier 'cos his defensive job is based of focus and antisipation rather then creativity.

Toure for Captain

Hagbard 23 · Post by **Hagbard 23** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:44 am

TH14 will NOT be leaving us this year Dr Wenger also, though next season who knows? I agree with Gunnerz4life that we dont have enough players who are out and out Gunners and are in it for the long haul. Gilberto Silva however is not one of the guilty, i believe he loves this club and would be a great capitano. Onwards and upwards!!!

norn irish red · Post by **norn irish red** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 12:12 pm

dont think henry deserves the armband anyway,gilberto or toure for me every time.at least you know where you stand with them,they dont want to leave never have felt the urge to unlike henry

Red Gunner · Post by **Red Gunner** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 8:14 pm

Hagbard 23 wrote:TH14 will NOT be leaving us this year Dr Wenger also, though next season who knows? I agree with Gunnerz4life that we dont have enough players who are out and out Gunners and are in it for the long haul. Gilberto Silva however is not one of the guilty, i believe he loves this club and would be a great capitano. Onwards and upwards!!!

I'll bet you any money that he will