The departure of Delph was not just the departure of a quality player, but Aston Villa also lost their captain. Delph was made captain under Tim Sherwood after Ron Vlaar lost the armband. Vlaar is also most likely not going to be playing in a Villa shirt so Sherwood will have to appoint a new captain. Some of the candidates that Villa fans have thrown around are Ciaran Clark, Agbonlahor and Westwood. For me there can only really be one candidate and it has to be Clark.
I feel as though Clark has grown into a very good, mature player who often organises the backline and will most likely be Villa’s starting centre-back alongside Richards or Okore/Baker. Clark has also been at the club for a very long time (since 2009) and hasn’t played for any other club. Agbonlahor might have experience as a captain but I don’t think that Agbonlahor is nearly as good as he used to be and giving him the captain’s arm band will mean he’d play a large part next season. Westwood might be a little too young as well and I’m not sure he’ll start every game, especially after the signing of Gueye and the resurgence of Gardner.
Against Swindon, Micah Richards was made captain by Sherwood and while I think Richards will be decent for us. I don’t think it’s right to give an arriving player the captain’s armband. I just feel as though Clark can bring the Villa player’s together better and is a more motivational character in the dressing room.
