Talkin’ with Strachan About the Armband

By: JT | July 5th, 2007

Ahead of today’s first preseason friendly in Switzerland against FC Basel, the papers are chock full of Celtic manager and quote machine Gordon Strachan. Some of it is excellent stuff that gets me fired up for the season ahead. The rest, is, politely put, filler. A review of the good: He’s happy with the squad as it currently exists, but there might be more signings, and the top goal is retaining the SPL title. He’s fully recovered from his hip replacement surgery. He and Pete Lawwell are a dynamite combo. Gravesen is here to stay (or till we get a good bid). Nakamura stays and we have to get used to these types of rumors for a player of his quality.

And of course the just plain stupid: The squad is too big and will cause dressing room unrest. Come on, we all know the squad won’t be this big come August 31. Wee Gordon is a joker with no clue. Some things are not perfect, I’ll admit. The overall transfer policy is not quite clear, but four trophies in two years and taking Milan to the limit in the CL’s Round of 16? Not too bad I say.

But the fun talking point for supporters is the new captain. Apparently Gordo is still contemplating his options. The skipper needs to be his voice on the pitch, and at Celtic, has many other responsibilities besides just playing football. It’s a big deal. There are four rumored candidates. Here are my choices:

1. Stephen McManus-Pros-Central defense is the ideal position for the captain. He’s Celtic through and through, a product of the youth system, and likely to stay a long time. He’s worn the armband on a number of occasions as Neil Lennon’s understudy. Cons-He’s still only 24 and it might be best for him to spend a few more seasons deputizing under a more experienced captain. Verdict-The obvious long term solution.
2. Artur Boruc-Pros-A born leader and organizer on the pitch that is not afraid to express himself vociferously. Keeper is another natural position for a captain. A favorite in the dressing room. Cons-He’s only been around the club two years, and might not be around for too many more. Verdict-A good vice captain, and a solid short term solution if Strachan decides to go this way. There won’t be many complaints if he does.
3. Stephen Pressley-Pros-Another great leader who has been captain at other stops during his career. He’s unbelievably experienced and will have any player’s ear when he demands it. Cons-He’s only been at Celtic for a few months, and Gordon might feel an obligation to actually play him if he’s captain. Verdict-A safe choice for Gordon, fans would hate it, and it might cause him to play more often than he deserves to.
4. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink-Pros-Gregarious personality, great name. Cons-Jan’s been a Celt for only one season, and I’m not a fan of strikers wearing the armband at all. Verdict-No chance.