Who will Peter Thorburn choose as Bristol captain?

Tricky choice
By Duncan Wood
June 26 2002

With Jason Little hanging up his boots, Bristol lost not only a player but a captain as well. Peter Thorburn is not rushing things but a skipper will have to be nominated sooner or later. Who will it be?

Jason's departure has left a vacancy for a club captain, a role which there are several possible candidates but perhaps not one outstanding one.

Dean Ryan was always very keen to stress that he didn't necessarily want one man on the pitch making all the decisions. He stressed that he wanted several 'leaders' on the pitch all capable of influencing the way the team is playing.

Peter Thorburn has taken over this week as head coach and he has echoed those views. However, the reality is that a captain will have to be nominated to act as the liaison point with the referee and to make key tactical decisions e.g. kick for goal or kick for touch?

So, who's in the frame? Well, realistically, it's got to be someone who is going to be a virtual everpresent in the team. So that would rule out the likes of Gus and Felipe who could well miss several games due to Argentina commitments.

It's also got to be someone who commands the respect of the whole of the squad which means that you are probably looking at one of the more experienced players rather than one of the youngsters.

Paul Johnstone has been a name mentioned on the messageboards. Recently voted as 'Clubman of the Year', he certainly commands respect. He would also be a first choice selection when fit and will not be required for international duties having turned down Scotland last season. He's not the most high profile of Bristol players but he could be a dark horse.

Into the second row - what about Garath Archer? People will immediately point to his disciplinary record but that hasn't stopped Martin Johnson doing quite well for himself has it?

In fact, it's very possible that the added responsibility could have a positive effect on his game. Bristol certainly looks a more combatitive side when Arch is playing and he'd never allow the side to give up. I suppose the only question mark would be over his fitness as he has missed quite a few games in the past season or so.

Also in the second row, there's Alex Brown. Alex would be one of the younger captains in the Premiership but Alex Sanderson has carried it off at Sale. He's a first choice in the second row and he already has responsibility for calling the lineouts. The only question mark against Alex would be regarding how many games he will miss due to international commitments.

There's considerably less experience in the backs where youth has blossomed in the past season but David Rees is a possibility. A class player who is always worth his place. He's got considerable experience but may be away on international duties.

Finally, another dark horse, but what about Neil McCarthy? First choice hooker, fiercely competitive and very loyal to the club. Another who would never take a backward step. Chief may not relish the media spotlight but he'd be very effective on the pitch and a good leader by example.

The choice is ultimately down to Peter Thorburn. It's going to be an interesting one!