I don't know who will end up being full time captain, but regardless this is Bradley's team.
Why are we even feeding the media's need to make a story out of nothing?
“Years have gone by and I’ve finally learned to accept myself for who I am: a beggar for good football.
I go about the world, hand outstretched, and in the stadiums I plead: ‘A pretty move, for the love of God.’
And when good football happens, I give thanks for the miracle and I don’t give a damn which team or country performs it.”
-Eduardo Galeano
I'm happy with it to continue as is - it works fine with Caldwell captain on the field and Bradley also showing leadership. I like the way Bradley has been very vocal about the team and I'm sure he'll be captain after Caldwell is gone. As long as the two players are fine with it as is, and I suspect they are, there's no reason to change and no reason for factions.
Caldwell is and should be the captain, no debate. Doesn't make Bradley any less of one of the team's leaders.
This team doesn't have the image of a team that is full of respect for it's players, due to it's long history of shipping them out quickly, contract disputes, etc., let's avoid anymore black marks by needlessly stripping our captain of an armband because "someone new is here". As an aside, none of us have any idea who exactly the leaders are in the dressing room or who the players respect, these are grown men, not schoolchildren looking for a teacher to follow, all of them are capable of making their own decisions.
Anyone worthy of wearing the armband wouldn't give a shit about wearing the armband.
Last edited by Jamaicanadian; 02-05-2015 at 12:19 PM.
Huge fan of Vanney's, but I HAVE to agree, here.
Caldwell's done a fine job, and worn the armband with great pride; it's good that we have someone that looks poised to take on the mantel, but I don't see a reason for things to be hastened.
From a salary perspective, Caldwell is the most relatable, and whilst probably overpaid, at the minute, it's not to be forgotten that he helped us out in his first year, taking less; I'm sure that won't be lost on his peers, showing he does really put the team first.
Have to also agree that, whilst Bradley has a fire about him, sure to serve him well as a captain, there are times where he gets a little overemotional. I could remember Bradley snapping on Gilberto, when Gily's goal was called off for a foul, in Chicago, and Gily looked to save Bradley from being punished for any perceived descent, post-match.. and, whilst I felt in some ways vindicated by his claims in the interviews to follow, I knew that it wasn't very becoming of someone that has to lead people to keep trudging on (so, glad he wasn't, then, captain), and I was much more impressed with Caldwell's handling of the situation, when asked.
I think Bradley still has a bit of calming down to do, since rejoining the league and reacclimating.. so, a couple seasons (this being the last) as a hugely influential voice, if not as captain, will do him some good.
I have a solution... Make Bitchy the Captain
I agree with the sentiment behind this, if maybe not so well worded.
I agree, as it applies to Bradley, that he shouldn't care whether or not he has the band, nor should he want to take it from a respected player at the club.
But, then, in regards to Caldwell's expressing he'd be disappointed to be stripped of his duties as captain, I feel like it'd be a bit strange for him not to feel a ways about that. Just as well, he's said and shown that he's very proud to play that role, which I think is also important (read: DOES give a shit).
Again, though, not to get into semantics, I think we're on the same wavelength, and I actually forgot to make a similar point in my post, above.
Just seen a tweet (with no link) that Bradley was named captain of club today. Is this true ?
If true, then I guess I was right. It was obvious Bradley took over and the way off-season played out (both signing and PR wise), Bradley played a role while Caldwell was MIA.
I personally believe Caldwell isn't that respected like what some people here like to believe. New players aren't going to look towards a player like Caldwell who will eventually become a bench player by the end of the season as a captain. They look towards someone like Bradley who got respect and credibility (playing at high level) to lead this club..
lol That's exactly what I was saying (read: we agree).
I took Jamaicanadian's comment as being more directed at Bradley, in that, if he really is leader material, he won't "give a shit" if he's given the band this season or next (which I would agree with).
Having said that, it's assuming a lot about what he meant.. but, such was the sentiment I took from the comment, disagreeing, however, if it were directed at Caldwell (for reasons above).
I do think Bradley deserves it but maybe we should just let Caldwell ride it out. I strongly agree that it would cause unnecessary drama.
This season,I'd prefer to let Bradley get his game sorted. He didn't live up to expectations last season, whether that was due to injury, world cup whatever, bar a couple of games he didn't do as well as expected. He will ultimately end up being captain at some stage but I'd prefer it to come of a stellar season than the one he just had
Anyone who doesn't care to be a leader is not worthy of wearing the armband.
I'm not totally convinced by Captain America. Is he passionate or is he prone to emotional outburst? I'm conflicted. I understand Caldwell's sentiment regarding his disappointment if he's not selected. Both of these players dont need an arm band to lead IMHO
Vanney and TFC have bigger fish to fry other than this issue.
KJ on Twitter
Breaking: TSN has learned Michael Bradley is the new captain of Toronto FC http://t.co/HeRjZl3CzR
^That is great news!
“What the world needs is more geniuses with humility; there are so few of us left.”
I think it would have done no harm to let Caldwell play out his final year as captain, but management obviously wants Bradley to take the reins now. I have no issue with the decision, but I hope it doesn't cause any unnecessary dissent in the locker room. I'm sure management spoke to Caldwell prior to making it official, and hopefully it won't affect his play on the pitch. He is a consummate professional, but he did not want to relinquish the captaincy.
Last edited by ManUtd4ever; 02-10-2015 at 09:50 AM.
Congratulations, General!
While Caldwell had great leadership skills I think the overall ability shown on the pitch made this the right decision.
FORMER FULL TIME KOOL-AID DRINKER
If you are going to go down this road, you have to be all in.
I don't know if a team's leader can make 100x what ten other guys make, but TFC are financially committed to making that model work, so may as well go all the way.
If Caldwell has a problem with that, he's replaceable.
“What the world needs is more geniuses with humility; there are so few of us left.”