from swindontownfc.co.uk

Has anyone else started to have concerns over Jonathan Douglas being club captain? Or is it just me that I’m now starting to look for a scapegoat following our more than disappointing start to the season?

Have we won a game where Douglas has been captain?

Don’t get me wrong, I really admire what he has brought to the team since joining from Leeds United last summer. He was a worthy winner of our Player of the Year and is a much valued holding midfielder, giving the team a strong central spine we haven’t seen  for many years. However, I can’t help but wonder whether he has too much to deal with as he combines the roles of a holding playmaker and enforcer as well as captain. I just want him to concentrate on his game, the way he did last season.

The players know where to find Douglas on the pitch so that he can orchestrate the play, however it seems to me for Douglas to lead through his passing and dictating the tempo alone just isn’t enough.

Does Douglas give the team the verbal direction and organisation on the pitch? I’m not convinced. The only time I noticed Douglas on Saturday was his pointless tirade at the referee, resulting in a inevitable caution.

Would David Lucas have been a more fitting choice? Perhaps, yes, David is more than vocal between the posts. Although whether or not adding to his responsibilities would have averted any or our poor defensive displays over the past 4 matches I don’t know.

Other than Lucas, I’m struggling to find another candidate for the role previously vacated by Gordon Greer. I know this moan isn’t going to change anything and to be honest I don’t really expect Wilson would ever strip Douglas of the captaincy. So, it’s all down to Jonathan, how will he react and lead by example.

I willing to give him the chance to prove me wrong. Starting at the Stadium:MK this Saturday, in what is now, as far as I’m concerned, a must win game.