Maybe not new news but it's news and I wanted it posted: Martin Laursen is the new Villa captain
Thursday, 21 August 08, 09:24 AM · Comments (17)
While I've not read any confirmation on the club site, I think it's fairly safe to say that Martin Laursen is the new club captain, after Martin O'Neill praised the defender this week.
Now, you all might remember that when there was talk of extending his contract in the early part of summer 2007, I actually suggested we didn't do it and just let him play out his time. How wrong was I?
In my defence, he had only played a few games for us and I was looking at it from a point of view that I really shouldn't have been; after all, it's not my money.
Now, after watching him for a proper full season I can confidently say that he is one of the best central defenders in the country and is very quickly developing a status at Villa Park that will mean he is remembered for many many years after he has finished playing. Him signing the 2 and-a-half year contract extension last January, made a few people happy.
Anyway, onto the captaincy. Martin O'Neill said: "Martin is the captain here.
"I didn't say it officially to him, but he is the captain of the side at the moment and I wouldn't see that changing. Laursen is Laursen, he leads by example. I'm not saying he is running around shouting all over the place but neither did Gareth."
Like I said, it's not confirmed by he club and it appears that Martin O'Neill hasn't told Laursen officially, but he's the captain and I have no doubt that he'll be proud to lead out our club and that it means a lot to him.
Can I be greedy though and ask for a few more goals this season?
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17 Comments · Add yours
Any chance by January that he wont even be a first team regular? With all the hype surrounding Cuellar and the potential of Davies showing again already.......will there be any place in the team for our leader?
I really would like to know what message the Liverpool Courier brought with him to the England training camp. Perhaps (Gareth I have not forsaken you, and if I have anything to do with it one day you and our Stevie will be together again, and to prove my intentions please accept this ;slightly used; Car Radio, and when you use it , think of me. Love Rafa). This is a Shakespearean Love Story in motion. Has Gareth found someone else/Did Rafa find someone else (He did sign Robbie Keane after declaring his Love for Gareth)/Will this Romeo & Juliet scenario be spoiled by the evil Martin. This has so many plots and turns in it, that a film awaits. Cant wait to see it
im suprised none of the big clubs and liverpool have come in for him this summer, he would get in any of the big clubs and liverpools side, i can see him in a tottenham shirt for some reason, but i think (hopefully) he will finish his career with us.
i think he should consider retiring from international football tho to pro-long his career as his knees are probably not as strong as they should be.
Its just such a shame tht grath screwed up. either way villa win laursen is a superb leader. vdAVE i agree any little knock and cuelller could be in. competition is good
Daddymcvillan, it is a plot with so many twists it make you giddy.
Who knows who will come out on top of the summer's most lustful love story
He's the obvious choice after Barry. Reo-Coker I think has the leadership qualities but not necessarily the ever-presence in the first-team. For me, a captain should always be a CD if possible.
I think its a great choice. Reo may get his go in the future. Laursen has done all the right things. Damian, do you think that Barry will ever be Villa captain again, even if he stays?
doesn't matter to me really.we have more than 1 leader on the pitch. laursen, barry, nrc, friedel. the armband aint everything, mellberg was still a leader after the armband was taken fron him
laursen is a top choice. vdave why not play 3-5-2 some matches as little used to, after all as you say three top centre halves we could play them all.
oh cant wait till transfer window shuts,so we can all just get on with the football.
barry this barry that,milner this milner that.
my head is going to explode with all speculation.
yes laursen for captain,but would have loved barry to tell liverpool to feck off stay and captain us.then lead us to champions league.
Laursen was brilliant last year and epitomizes the team spirit that is flowing through the side. I am glad he's the Villa captain.
why dont messages stay on page.
great laursen is captain! better than reo-c but to be honest he wont be playin that much in the season comin!
still wanted bouma to be captain!
no seriously, ask joey the ak.
UTV ;D
p.s. i predict for the weekend 3-0 to the villa fullstop.
It had to be Laursen. Best candidate even if Barry hadn't ruined it for himself IMO.
I would not be surprised if O'Neill does play three talls across the back, with a defensive midfielder in front in a five man midfield.
Mellberg was a fix-it job at RB last year but it unleashed some great forward pressure in the form of Laursen, Davies and Mellberg at the set pieces
He hasnt scored since everyone started singing his name!!!
Laursen captain is great news i think he will be way better than Barry at it! Barry out and take Harewood with him!