Fabricio Coloccini is, officially, Newcastle United's captain - but he did not act like it towards the latter stages of the 2015-16 campaign. Having got himself stupidly dismissed for an awful challenge on Everton's Aaron Lennon back in March, Coloccini also watched on as Moussa Sissoko, Daryl Janmaat and Mike Williamson got themselves sent off in stupid circumstances. This lack of discipline throughout the team suggests Coloccini lacks the ability to lead the side, or alternatively that they simply do not listen to him. McClaren realistically has two options for Coloccini: either give the Argentine his full backing as skipper and demand that the defender begins to show leadership skills, or strip the centre-back of the captaincy. Although the second option may seem harsh, it could be in the best interests of both Newcastle and Coloccini. Without the added responsibility of captaincy, Coloccini can attempt to rediscover the brilliant form that helped the Magpies narrowly miss out on qualification for the Champions League in 2011-12. Only McClaren knows exactly what his own plans are to try and get the best out of Coloccini once more, but the ex-Middlesbrough boss' arrival could well help to prolong the Argentine's Magpies career. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
