West Ham are in a pretty dire situation, saved only by the inferiority of the three teams below them from the threat of relegation. Leadership is in short supply on the pitch – how the Hammers are crying out for a Bonds, a Moore, or a Noble to grab the lethargic and the lacklustre amongst the squad and enforce higher standards and demand more from those around him.
Now this is not an anti-Jarrod Bowen article. I absolutely love the man and have nothing but admiration for his ability and commitment to the club. He’s well on the way to legend status and I won’t listen to anyone who criticises his performances as a player. He’s put up with three managers in twelve months, been intensely loyal to the outgoing ones and never complains. But I wonder whether he is the type of leader West Ham need just now.
Watching Niclas Fullkrug’s rant on Sky yesterday I saw another ‘leadership’ style. Not full of platitudes and ‘we must work harder’ truisms.: Fullkrug exuded raw emotion. I’m not suggesting Fullkrug is the leader in waiting, but the contrast in style is enormous and boy do West Ham need a ‘blood and guts’ performer on the pitch just now.
Jarrod Bowen reminds me of – different era so bear with me – Ian Botham when appointed England Cricket Captain. Botham was a true genius but suffered when the weight of captaincy was thrust upon his young shoulders as his side embarked upon a disastrous series of results. The game after he was sacked, he produced his best performances in his life and the rest was history.
I genuinely feel sorry for Bowen who is doing his best, (it is not his fault)-Bowen is one of the few who is above criticism this tumultuous season. At times when the camera cut to his face at the end he was clearly upset by what had taken place and the boo’s at the end must have cut deep.
I’d merely float the suggestion that he may not be the “in your face, confrontational, take no s**t-style leader” that West Ham need just now to enforce the Manager’s instructions and get the team playing to order. Probably also, we’d see a liberated, reborn Jarrod Bowen, without the weight of the world upon his shoulders.
No brainer C&H
There was a lot of deliberation when it came to who was going to captain this season.
Loss of Rice was always going to create problems in more ways than one.
Alvarez/Ward Prowse/Soucek/Paqueta/Bowen//Cresswell/Aguerd/Killman were all names in the pot.
Due to his love of whu/devotion to duty/fight and over all commitment Bowen’s name came to the top.
There was some dispute as it was thought a defender would be more appropriate.
Whether that’s right or wrong? Kane never had any problems!
If it was for the good of the club don’t think Bowen would show any resentment, that’s his personality.
Whether Fullkrug, due to his outburst, is a good substitute, don’t know. Will he be at club next year?
Who will be at club? Perhaps one of the multiple newbies will be a candidate.
Who writes this rubbish. On what level has this any bearing.
If you’re referring to the article, you should have gone to SpecSavers – his name is Martin Treasure and it’s at the top and bottom of the story. Doh! If you’re having a go at the comments you can refer to the poster’s user name. If you just don’t understand what the article is about then I can help you. It’s basically about the need for a captain who can fire up the rest of the team to play better and take it to the opposition. Perhaps you have some more creative suggestions other than “Who writes this rubbish”?
I do ‘Peter’ . And At least I write under my real name, eh.
No shame in calling Jarrod non captain material . Neither was the clubs 2nd or 3rds greatest ever player sir Trevor brooking .
absolutely – does not suit him or his position on the field, while he is often best player on the pitch and plays his heart out for the team.
Martin, Did you consider that West Ham are just three points behind 13th place before you wrote that?
Three points separate five clubs including Man United and Spurs who like us, have had a poor season.
As Man United have lost this afternoon……. I’ll revise my comment to ‘TWO points separate FIVE clubs’
West Ham have yet to play them and Spurs. They play a faltering Brighton next weekend, and there’s a fading Nottingham Forest to come, as well as relegated Ipswich. Five games to regain a little pride and a final place higher than 17th.
With that positivity I think you should be captain Mr T R 😊
Totally agree with all of that. We need someone who is vocal and opinionated and get in peoples faces when they’re not pulling their weight. Roll on next season. C.O. Y.I.
With the 2026 World Cup coming up, at which he is likely to be a star, and his pal Steidten gone, Fullkrug may not want to stay. Making him captain might change that. He seems to be backing Potter, and could be his voice on the pitch. I think it’s just an advantage if the captain is playing in a more central position. Harder to do from the wing.
Had the same thought myself after seeing that interview. That’s the guy you want sorting people out on the pitch. But can it be done without Bowen being offended and will Fullkrug be here and playing next season. No idea.
They have all got worse since Potter arrived thanks to Brady
What’s the point in giving him time to turn it around and then we will have to start ALL OVER AGAIN next season
Sullivan should have stuck to his guns with the original end of season contract
Never wanted him then know i don’t want him now he hasn’t got a clue
Not being a manager myself I have to ask why take the best player of and put Mav on that man is a nightmare
Personally I’d love to see: 442
Alphonse in goal
AWB right back
Scarles left back (nothing but pride to play for so give him learning time)
Kilman and Toddy Centre backs
Jarrod Right wing
Louis G left wing
Paq and Soler centre mid
Fullkrug (captain) and Ferguson forwards
Kudus is more effective as a sulky sub.
Compost bonkers 11 Ferguson and Big German
Totally agree but prefer Jarrod made decision
Yes agree with comments and can understand the frustration but there are too many players that don’t show up and all you can do get rid of I want to see players at least try
But that is not going to happen how many of this squad can you rely on the players will be out of contract or for whatever reason will go.
The Manager and captain have a huge problem they can’t get through to the majority of players some came with massive expectations and had played for top clubs Emerson is a good example slow no effort no matter who the captain is or the Manager.
I have been present for over 75 years and have seen many many Managers and captains with all different styles Moore played by example and bonds with passion and fight best captains by miles.We need almost a new team and backing from the board which we won’t get the ground is full of fans that change by the week we need to make our feeling known to the board staying away won’t do it we have the one of the highest take up of seats and one of the richest clubs in the league and one man controls the lot and he is a fan do me a favour about two seasons of rubbish.
You are right Dave. Harmful to change now and would be making Bowen a scapegoat when really not the case. Best before beginning of next season in a normal manner.
Totally agree. Love Bowen to bits, however he leads by example by always putting in a shift and digging deep when things aren’t going well.
That’s a different type of leadership one that is very admirable and totally required but that fear factor is also required from your captain, knowing that if you’re not performing your captain’s going to let you know about it. Maybe that happens behind closed doors but it’s out on the pitch, it’s that 90mins where a captain’s influence is most required. Play for the badge and leave everything out there. Win, lose or draw that’s all we ask as fans.
Spot on Dave! It must be handled right, he’s the most consistent and one of the best players we have. Do I have the confidence it will be handled right. NOPE. This is West Ham with Sulivan in charge!
you mean as in, when you feel as though your balls are in a clamp? that feeling? that would probably be Billy Bonds. That’ll work 😊😊
I agree. And, in a different place and time, he could be a great captain. But not right now. Not with a team that need cajoling and players that go missing or play for themselves too often. Noble would’ve been ranting non stop and that’s just not JB.
Fullkrug knows what he is talking about and comes from the Bundesliga where I do not think they suffer fools lightly. he knows the standards needed. Sorry off point.
Bowen is tremendous a great footballer, but I don’t think he influences play, or tactics on the pitch. He leads by example, but out there on the right wing, that blood and guts approach will not influence those who need to be pulled into position, told to move up & press, or stop rolling about on the floor, etc. I have no suggestions though. Paqueta? just till the end of the season?
I sought out the Niclas Fullkrug post match interview after reading all about it in these pages. In Australia we need to use a VPN to watch it on something like Sky Sports in the UK, so that is what I did. It was worth it. My opinion of him has soared considerably in the last few weeks after his recent performances on the pitch. And after seeing that interview I have new respect for him. I think, if he chooses to stay with the Hammers, I would love to see him relieve Jarrod Bowen of the captain’s armband and give our main goal scorer a break. Well done Niclas, you ARE made of the right stuff!
he has been brilliant, a cut above.
Totally agree Hammeroo about your football comments. Just want to add you don’t need a VPN to watch the Futlkrug interview. Just type in his name in browser and go to videos and Bob’s your uncle. Where is Oz are you?
@Nicko, I’m in Perth. And thanks, I did later find the clip in The Sun so I could send it on to a mate here.
Spot on article
Yes agree entirely, being the best most consistent player doesn’t just make you a captain. He doesn’t seem very vocal on the pitch and that’s what is required. Trouble is no one else stands out. The ones that will get picked if fit ( rules a lot out ) aren’t vocal either. Kilman and AWB are quiet, virtually everyone else is in and out of the team except Pacqueta and Kudus and they aren’t playing well or the leadership types. Again the problem is the poor squad composition.
Fulkrug for captain next season. He clearly sets an expectation and demands more!!
Agreed
The attitude of a full German International. I’d expect no less
Had the same thought myself after seeing that interview. That’s the guy you want sorting people out on the pitch. But can it be done without Bowen being offended and will Fullkrug be here and playing next season. No idea.
Agreed, Martin – Jarrod is a legend but never a Captain.
Who is though, Kilman or AWB maybe ?
Can’t attach motors to the legs of our ponderous team, unfortunately, and would be surprised if we win another game this season – reckon even Ipswich will do us !
Don’t have much faith in Summer Recruitment especially if the clueless Sully gets involved.
What can’t be overlooked is the slowest midfield in football history and must be priority to address.
Still, I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.
Fair point
Fullkrug certainly had a word or two to say is a good thing, somebody needs to say it. We are poor and there’s no point tippy toeing around it.