Next captain

[LJC]

"With Zouma looking like he is off, who would you choose for the next captain? https://www.claretandhugh.info/captain-fantastic-the-shortlist/ To my mind there are a couple of possibilities, Edson Alvarez being one. But he is not fit and as far as we know will be some weeks away still having been seen walking but not training in pre-season. Were he fit now, I’d suggest him as the ‘favourite’. Max Kilman as the Head Coach’s highest priority signing this Summer and his choice as Wolves’ Captain when Lopetegui was in charge, obviously is on the shortlist. Quite how easily Kilman would integrate either into the dressing room or the fan base as an ‘imported’ skipper is hard to anticipate. Maybe one for the future. Jarrod Bowen is being quietly tipped by many as the natural successor: Not overly demonstrative in demeanour, certainly not the blood-and-guts category but 100% committed to the club and the ethos of everything West Ham. I’m sure he would be immensely popular with supporters (me included) and team-mates alike. James Ward-Prowse has his admirers and certainly has the right pedigree to lead the side. But – is he a certain selection for our new midfield? It would certainly be a role he is capable of doing, being appointed skipper of Southampton in 2020. A rank outsider would be newly signed Guido Rodriguez– perfect CV to be honest, if he’d arrived last year I’d say he was a contender: Shares a common language with the Head Coach as does Alvarez. Other options- none spring to mind as leadership candidates who’re guaranteed to make the team and inspire those around. I’m sure each reader will have their own opinion. Aaron Cresswell and Tomas Soucek are for differing reasons unlikely to play most every game next season."

[Far Cough]

Coma's way behind the eight ball on most things these days.

[Lee Trundle]

"That's why most players who get them normally nominate a charity to benefit from it, comma."

[,]

After ten years on Premiership wages Cresswell is not in need of the proceeds of a testimonial.

[On The Ball]

El Scorchio 3:08 Thu Aug 15 c) The Club would have to pay to use the stadium ;)

[dealcanvey]

‘’Come On You Irons 6:09 Wed Aug 7 Re: Next captain It's going to be Kilman. End of thread‘’

[El Scorchio]

"Actully on Cresswell, I just saw it's his testimonial year this year. Do clubs still do these, or are they a bit redundant now seen as a) players are set for life and b) hardly anyone spends 10 years at one club any more."

[El Scorchio]

"Cresswell is vice captain. I guess that's just a seniority/longevity thing. He seems like someone who is usually talked about as being respected and popular with the players, but he's barely going to get on the field. Maybe he's got a bit more clout with the dressing room than Bowen for now. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Cresswell goes into coaching or management. Just seems like the kind of bloke who would."

[Ron Eff]

"I think the need for the captain to be a in a certain position is a real myth. The only position I really don’t like is keeper. For me, the West Ham captain should be someone who understands the club, leads by example, good enough that the other players respect him, and would run through walls for the club. I couldn’t name anyone more suitable. There has always been forwards who make good captains. Especially one’s that meet that exact criteria. Totti, Messi, Shearer, Del Piero, Raul to name handful."

[Lee Trundle]

"Normally prefer my captain to be someone shouty/in your face in the middle of the park, but we likely have no one for that role. I'm happy for Bowen. Hopefully he can lead by example being one of our best players."

[Come On You Irons]

"This genuinely positively surprises me, as I was certain Lopetegui would appoint Kilman as captain (assume he will now be vice captain). Bowen is a great appointment as captain and it is recognition of his progress and loyalty to the club, and for his winning goal in the 2023 Europa Conference League final. Great words from him too stating he wants to stay at West Ham for the rest of his career and become a club legend. Top lad."

[Manuel]

"Great appointment and most def the right one, reminds me of Noble being skipper. Alvarez has only been here for 5 mins and is always getting booked, Kilman even less, and looks like a carthorse so needs to focus on his play first and foremost. Cresswell will be getting his bus pass soon."

[El Scorchio]

"Jarrod Bowen has said being named captain of West Ham gives him ""another opportunity to represent the club with honour and pride"". The England international forward, 27, joined the Hammers in January 2020 and scored the winning goal in their Europa Conference League final victory in 2023. He will follow in the footsteps of legendary previous captains of the club, including Bobby Moore, Billy Bonds and Mark Noble. ""I don't see it as weighing heavy - I see it as another opportunity to represent this club with honour and pride,"" he said in a video posted on West Ham's social media channels. ""Those names will be remembered forever by West Ham fans and I'm not there yet, but I want to keeping working my way to get to there. ""I've said that I wanted to stay here for the rest of my life and I still haven't come off that page. If I can go down as a legend here in years to come, that would be great."""

[ludo21]

I see that Bowen has now been officially named as captain for the season. Good appointment.

[Manuel]

"Club captain?? Fucking hell, how bent is that. Bowen is captain and it's a good shout. Cresswell is so fucking old he should be sucking Werthers and helping Doris out in the canteen. Club captain, dear me."

[SurfaceAgentX2Zero]

"Bowen as team captain and either Cresswell or Soucek as club captain, if either are still here."

[SurfaceAgentX2Zero]

"Bowen as team captain and either Cresswell or Soucek as club captain, if either are still here."

[Mex Martillo]

"Well, Captain Bowen started against Celta. Well done Bowen"

[Mex Martillo]

"Exile, my main reason for liking Paqueta as a Captain is he is full on, skilful and looks to drive forward. By example he can lead the team, also be has shown he can lead in play taking us forward or slowing us down. I also feel from the way the players react together shows he is liked and respected. I think he would respond well to the responsibility of Captain and improve further. Won't happen though, just my tupence worth. Alvarez would be good, downer being he has missed quite a few games and is injured. Bowen, I don't much like forward as captains. Also really nice well liked guy, but not a captain for me. No idea about the new guys, but experience is always a good thing."

[Fauxstralian]

"I'd always presumed the manager had bought his Wolves captain to do the job here but seems from social media ITK's that it will be Bowen No problem with that Good lad, respected by the team and will play every week"

[ludo21]

Max Hummels in the unlikely event that he comes in.

[Cheezey Bell-End]

My concern with Alvarez is that he gets enough yellow cards already without having to talk to the ref.

[Cheezey Bell-End]

My concern with Alvarez is that he gets enough yellow cards already without having to talk to the ref.

[stubbo]

"My only concern is his stature and authoritativeness to command the respect of and influence referees. Seems too small.and nice to not have refs just swat him and any view point he has in a game away. If someone like Alvarez is stood over a ref making a point crystal clear, could imagine that having a bit more sway."

[Russ of the BML]

I would go Bowen. Leads by example. A great player with a great attitude. Superb conduct on and off the pitch. I think making him captain would make him the player I think he can be. Paqueta is also a no for me. I don't think he has the right temperament and also has a few off the field issues to sort out.

[the exile]

"Mex - you cannot be serious about Paqueta. Yes, a great player on his day, but it's precisely the ""on his day"" bit that means he should never be captain. As you mentioned yourself, he disappeared towards the end of last season. Quite apart from the betting scandal that's hanging over him, some of his play-acting when fouled is quite frankly embarrassing. Simply not captain material. I really hope Loppy and his team manage to get a tune out of him."