Who will be the new captain? I enjoyed the tread begun with story from Polish embassy. Especially comments from Coach Nowak and his former Fire teammate, Dema Kovalenko's meeting with MLS referees. I believe that Dema may replace some of the fire in the belly that will be lost by the retirement of El Diablo, but this is not the only requirement for a captain. There are several younger players who've been with the team and struggled though injuries, Olsen, especially. They too, do not yet possess the qualities needed for the position. I believe that the front office anticipated the need to answer my initial query, and their signing last season of Ernie Stewart was a recognition of the desperate need of leadership that will lead the club from the dark depths of their run of form since the 1999 season.
Nelsen finished the season as captain, and I see no reason why he wouldn't continue to serve in that capacity.
Right, of all the problems last season, the choice of Nellie as captain wasn't one. He did a great job considering the hotheads and malcontents playing around him. No reason to change now.
With the way Convey stepped in and confronted Hristo at the end of the last playoff game I would think that he should get consideration. That one incident was needed throughout the whole season. It was too bad that it was so late in the year. Also, Convey will be the #10 type player and is on a tear. It is pretty clear from the U-23 team that even Landon has a ton of respect for Convey.
You are kidding right?? Bobby has said his goal is to be in Europe this summer. Not quite worth making him captain.
Nellie all the way. Anyone see "Miracle"??? Wow what a profile of a coach and his selection of a captain. Off topic so don't bother commenting further but if this topic interests you go see the movie.
I agree. Great leader on the field and in the lockerroom according to Marco. But I would imagine the decision is ultimately Nowaks once he gets a feel for the team. My preference? Captain Morgan of course.
Just by looking at the roster I would choose Nelson, Olsen, Reyes, or Stewart...A lot of people are too young.
quote by godc: You are kidding right?? Bobby has said his goal is to be in Europe this summer. Not quite worth making him captain. nelson tried to leave this off-season and has pretty much said he will leave next off-season when he is a free agent. that leads me to believe he would be happy to leave during the season if mls was willing to sell his rights. i guess i don't see the difference, do you? i do like nelson as our captain, but it will be up to nowak to decide who he want's to captain his team.
I agree with all of the people who say Nelsen. That guy coached my practice one time, he had so much composure even though we were asking him invasive questions for almost three hours, I would say that he should definately be captain again. Nelsen displayed good communication skills when he was last year, especially with the defence. Nelsen is a big man, but he makes an even bigger captain.
Ben Olsen should have been captain last year, and should be captain this year. Nelsen is a good player, but Ben is a champion and his effort on the field is heroic. I am not critizing Nelsen, but I am just saying Ben is the better choice, a better leader, and a better player.
Brian Carroll (you know I HAD to do that!) Just kidding, don't get your panties in a bunch. Seriously, though, has Nelson done something to deserve to have his "captaincy" taken away? Why would you elect a new captain if the old one is still here, starting and playing well, and the team seems reasonably happy with his leadership?
stewart is my choice for several reasons. more experience than Nelsen (overall, clearly not at DC) not that i have anything against New Zealand, but I just perfer that a club's captain be from the club's country, so I like Earnie, Benny, Bobby or Petke before Nelsen giving the captaincy to Stewart would put responsibility/duty on his shoulders and I see that as only a benefit to the team. he's more likely to be Adu's mentor/road roommate. the downside is Earnie's age and perhaps likelihood not to be a lock-in as a regular starter.
This is the first time I have ever heard somebody advocate a person as captain whom they think might start. Completely Ridiculous.
I feel somewhat responsible for this thread going in the direction it has. I figured that imanust probably had forgotten that Etch wasn't captain last year and that Nelsen was. It was a question asked with that in mind I think, so maybe we could give it a rest, huh? Nelsen is the incumbent. Unless Nowak has strong reservations against keeping it that way, Ryan will be wearing the armband on April 3.
Good point brother Lowe, but at the same time its also not a bad thread to blur into... "IF you had YOUR choice who should be captain". It looks like people are already doing this so maybe we can roll with it. (in that train of thought...) I DO like Nelsen as our captain, but I could also see a strong argument for Olsen. This team needs a reminder of its glorious past and Ben Olsen is that player. Also, while Nelsen was the team leader last year it was also under a different regime. With the new head coach and even a new front office (Payne) I wouldn't see the transfer of the arm band as a slight against him either.
Yeah, it's turned into that kind of thread, which is fine I guess. I like Nellie as captain, but I would like Olsen or Stewart just as well.
I have to disagree on one point. We don't need a constant reminder of the glory years. We want players, coaches and management who look forward, not back. That said, Olsen would make a good captain, but I still prefer Nellie. Sachin
Olsen has to be at least third on the depth chart for captain. Earnie got the armband when Nellie was out against the MetroStars last year. Nothing will change. Nellie Earnie Olsen
Olsen has to be at least third on the depth chart for captain. Earnie got the armband when Nellie was out against the MetroStars last year. Nothing will change. Nellie Earnie Olsen