I heard Graham Souness comments recently about the importance of having a few 'Senior Players' in a squad, especially when it's generally a young squad. He wasn't suggesting anything about the skill or footballing parts but more how it helps steer the behaviour and attitude of players mentally on the pitch and especially by 'advising' at training and off the pitch. Helps players learn to win, approach difficult situations better and even manage their personal life. Are we missing this or are we covered? Or is this just an out dated view?
Totally agree but he needs to be a leader as well. The marked improvement of the team when Michael Solbauer signed is a good example.
We need that experience in the spine of the team and build round it with good young players who are hungry for success, At the moment I see players going through the motions
I would argue Luca is a leader. He is the only one shouting instructions to others a waving his arms about during the games. No one else though.
No idea if Sol fancies a coaching role, but I would take a punt on him as a novice over some random foreign coaches we get linked with.
We lack leaders, not older players. Being an older player doesn’t automatically mean they’re a positive influence on a younger team.
Agree with this and but for his illness issues, I'd have given him the armband this season. However, there was a noticeable change in Jordan's captaincy yesterday, especially in the first half. Not sure if MD has told him to be more of a leader on the pitch, but he was constantly shouting, gesturing & organising the back line. Could even hear him shouting from our seats in the ESL. Probably explains why he had one of his better games this season. Good to see.
Roberts Williams O'Keefe McCart Pines Earl Cadden Kane Phillips Cole Cosgrove Watters Cotter Cundy and the loaned out Mccarthy are all over 25.
Age doesn't always mean experience or 'leaders' imo. Not many on that list are proper leaders. Connell is younger than all of those and actually is there barking orders and leading the team. That's what we need.
