Jamaal Lascelles has admitted that nothing was mentioned to him about being replaced as Newcastle captain.
Eddie Howe recently confirmed that the defender will continue in his role as skipper, stating that he will not be leaving St James’ Park this summer.
That’s despite speculation from fans that he could be replaced by Kieran Trippier. The 31-year-old has established himself as a real leader since joining the club, and has already captained the side in Lascelles’ absence.
And with the centre-back unlikely to be a regular starter, there were calls from some fans to permanently give the armband to Trippier. However, that will not be the case, nor was it ever discussed with Lascelles.
Lascelles on being Newcastle captain
The defender has spoke to the Chronicle ahead of the new season, and was asked about a possible change of captain.
“It’s the first I’ve heard about it,” he said.
Lascelles then addressed how his role as captain has changed since Eddie Howe became manager.
“There was a lot more to do now, the manager here has done well to create a leadership group and put experienced lads around me to help out, there is more of a collective now.
“In recent years I have had to take on a lot outside of being on the pitch. Even with just messaging and the fines but we have a great set-up, the staff are fantastic, and everything is professional and organised. We have a great bunch of lads in the dressing room with a lot of good strong characters in there as well.”
Right decision was made
While he isn’t a guaranteed starter, stripping Lascelles of the captaincy would have been a really risky decision. It could have caused unnecessary unrest behind the scenes.
If Lascelles left then obviously a new captain would be named, but there is no reason why he shouldn’t continue for as long as he remains at St James’ Park.
Howe has created a real group of leaders at the club, which means that we don’t solely have to rely on Lascelles. That appears to have made his job easier based on what he told the Chronicle.
It’s all good decision making by Howe. Keeping Lascelles as captain when he isn’t playing regularly ensures he is still a valued member of the squad, while it allows other players to step up and take responsibility.
Trippier is a born leader, and will probably wear the armband more than Lascelles this season. But officially taking the armband off of Lascelles and giving it to Trippier was an unnecessary risk that didn’t need to be taken. Luckily, it hasn’t.
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