So it has come out in Tuesday’s Express & Star that Dennis Mortimer thinks Stiliyan Petrov isn’t suited as captain. Fair enough, everyone is entitled to their opinion. One thing I do disagree on though, is the nature and style of how it was said.
I, along with many other Villa fans, question the point of giving the armband to a player who seems unable to play 90 minutes of every game. A captain should, by default, always be in the midst of the action. The midst of the action isn’t sitting on the bench, nor is it comprising only the first 60 minutes of the match. Thus I see exactly why Petrov needs to be replaced and, to that end, I can understand the motivation for Mortimer’s outburst.
The big question here, and one that Dennis Mortimer doesn’t answer, is who should get the armband. By all means critique players but, in the interest of constructive criticism, don’t just tell the press that so and so player is useless. What exactly does it achieve? Not very much I would suggest. In a period where building a good team spirit is key to a good season ahead, having former players lambast the current squad is pretty poor form.
Future Heroes or Villains
In reality, Petrov isn’t a real solution going forwards for a number of reasons. However the problem Villa have, if one wants to call it a problem, is that we are lacking any type of real captain figure at the club. We are also having to rely on a lot of youth who may, or may not, become a success at the club.
With regard to the youth, my view is neither optimistic or pessimistic. The kids might do well, but they may bomb also. We’re only going to find out by trying but, whatever the choice, these kids needs our support, and not to dive on their back should an errant ball gift a team a lucky injury time equaliser.
Now with regard to the captaincy, aside from buying in a ready made captain replacement such as Scott Parker, Villa are distinctly lacking in options. Petrov can’t play every game so that rule him out. Beyond him, who could you give the role to? Dunne? Collins? Bent?
In reality, our only real option of the players we actually currently own is Shay Given, but I often feel that having a captain that far back in the team can pose issues. The sad reality is though, that we have very few other options. If that isn’t an indictment of our current squad, I don’t know what else is.
Hollywood or bust
So if we don’t give it to an obvious candidate, could we give it to a younger player? More importantly, who is there of that group who could take on such a role? I don’t think there is any young leader who stands out, less so one that I would give the armband to. Offering the band to a young player would only compound the risks we are having to take with youth and, for me at least, I think it is a step too far.
Dennis Mortimer may have been speaking sense about Petrov not being captain this season, but his failure to offer any kind of constructive solution means that his outburst may actually do more harm than good.
The Author
