So who can step up and take the armband?

After the uproar caused this weekend when Kevin Nolan got himself sent off for a reckless challenge against, of all teams, Millwall, there have been calls for us to crown a new captain. But who should be assigned the role if Big Sam does decide that we need a more solid example to lead the team? Here are some of the main contenders, in my opinion.

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1. Mark Noble – What more can I say? This man IS West Ham. His display against Millwall was definitely that of a captain; he was everywhere. Noble has been a constant performer in our first team squad since 2005, and has definitely come on in leaps and bounds during his time at West Ham. At just 24, he is one of West Ham’s longest serving players and I think everyone’s in agreement that he always gives 100%. I think Noble would make a good captain as he’s got 6 first team seasons under his belt and he always has the club as his number one priority. My one concern about Nobes is that he may get too hot-headed as every decision will be influential on the club he supports. But, only time will tell – and as he’s still young I’m sure he will get his chance to captain his club one day.

2. Robert Green – Green is another player that’s been at the club a long time, and is currently in his sixth season with the Irons. Anyone can hear his commanding voice when they go and watch the team – I have no qualms about him leading the team from the back! But, it may mean that he wouldn’t be in the right position to be able to talk to the referee during the game. I definitely do think he has the communication skills and the respect in the dressing room that would make him a good captain, and his age may help him command respect and use his maturity effectively. A concern I have about Greeno is the fact that there are whispers around Green Street that he’s refusing to sign a new contract. This makes me slightly question his commitment to his Hammers future, and if the rumours are true, it may mean that he’s not the ideal candidate for captain.

 

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3. James Tomkins – Ok ok, so those of you who are regular readers will know that my love of Tonks isn’t purely professional, but I do think that he would be a prime candidate for leading the team. He’s a born Hammer, and he’s shunned Premier League attention to do his ‘duty’ to the club and get us back up at the first attempt. He’s now a prominent and solid member of the team, and gives a commanding performance at the back. The one thing that stops me thinking Tomkins is right for leadership is that he may not be old enough to shoulder the burden of captaincy, being only 21. Noble has a lot more match time under his belt, so may be a better choice.

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4. Abdoulaye Faye – Faye is my final candidate, as he’s already been in a captaincy role at Stoke. He’s got the power and experience to succeed in the role, and has also already built a rapport with Big Sam at Bolton. The only thing that makes me hold back about Faye is that he hasn’t been at West Ham long enough to perhaps command respect from the rest of the team. But then again, neither had Nolan and he walked straight into the captaincy.

I reckon the player with the best bet of standing as our new captain (if we need one!) would be Mark Noble, as he’s literally Mr. West Ham and would do anything he could to help the team. Who would you want as our captain if Big Sam does decide to take the role away from Nolan? Tweet me to let me know at @alwaysintune

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