No leaders on the pitch

[LTID]

Having watched another dreadful performance again yesterday I have come to the conclusion that the main problems is that there are no leaders on the pitch. When you're so short of options for a captain that you have to give the armband to the goalkeeper then it's clear that nobody has the character to lead. Successful teams have "captains" all over the pitch! Captaincy isn't about being the best player, it's instilling the right attitude into the team and making sure everyone is pulling in the same direction. In the past we've had players who'd tackle a brick wall for the team, I can't think of one of the current squad that you could really say that about. There's enough talent in this team to get promotion, what's lacking is passion. I've seen the treads on here talking about the fans yesterday booing the players at the end of the game yesterday. What ever side of that debate you're on, you have to admit that the fans really care about the club and they recognize when the players don't reflect their passion.

When you look at the Beckford debacle Alan Young said on the radio that if he'd been on the pitch he'd have given him a backhander and can you imagine what Steve Walsh, Gerry Taggart or Matt Elliott would have done? Martin O'Neill didn't have to assert discipline he had players to do it for him. You can argue our 9 red cards this season is evidence of commitment but, I see it as lack of discipline, individuals are letting the team down and we're turning into a shambles, with nobody taking charge. There are times in every season when a teams character is really tested and every time this squad has been asked that question they've failed, letting themselves, the manager, the club and the supporters down. You can argue that Sven bought players in his own mold, too "laid-back" to lead but, it's also clear that Pearson plays the favoritism game and that's also not good in bringing a team together.

We all have our views on players and managers but, most agree that stability within the club is important. Clearly, there is going to be a clear-out of players in the summer, let's hope that after that we can all get together and move together in the direction we all want. this club is fragile, reliant as we are on the Thai's money and patience. If we don't start to get it right how long before they decide their dream of owning a successful premiership team isn't going to happen and they move on to another project. What then for the club?

[LCFC_Peter]

For me a mid field like when fernandes was on the pitch was the best option as he could go and attack and defend and i felt he led the squad well (even though not being captain) and i wish we kept him but now i think sol or danns could or should lead the squad.

[DANGEROUS TIGER]

For me a mid field like when fernandes was on the pitch was the best option as he could go and attack and defend and i felt he led the squad well (even though not being captain) and i wish we kept him but now i think sol or danns could or should lead the squad.

A shame that Pearson did not want Fernandes, but the wise man got rid of him!

[Raw Dykes]

A shame that Pearson did not want Fernandes, but the wise man got rid of him!

Rubbish!

Fernandes was only here as a favour for Sven, and wasn't going to hang around for anyone else.