McAnuff- New captain

[Royal_Delight]

http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDet ... 93,00.html

Reading Football are very pleased to announce that Jobi McAnuff is our new club captain.

The 29-year-old has been handed the honour by manager Brian McDermott, and will lead our team when the new campaign begins at home to Millwall on 6th August.

The winger is a hugely respected by our players, staff and supporters for his professionalism, consistency and ability on the pitch, and his articulate wisdom off it. He is a very popular choice to wear the armband, and when manager Brian McDermott confirmed his decision in front of the squad, they applauded to a man.

McAnuff has enjoyed a fantastic couple of weeks - he signed a new three-year contract with the club, became engaged to his partner Jolene last Friday and has now been named our new skipper.

He told readingfc.co.uk, "It's a massive honour, one of the biggest honours in my career and one of the best moments as well, to be captain of a club like this.

"I must admit I'm still getting my head around it a little bit, the gaffer spoke to me this morning and as soon as he mentioned it I jumped at the chance, obviously I said I'd love to do it and I'm just delighted to be given the opportunity."

With his new contract and engagement, Jobi admitted it has been a great period for him. "It's been a really good spell, especially after the most disappointing time I've ever had, following the play-off final - I was due some good news! They say it comes in threes, and this just tops it off, I'm going into the season in a great mood.

"One thing the gaffer said was that he felt the timing was right, for the club and for myself. I'm very happy here, I'm comfortable in the group and we have got a great, great, great bunch.

"You couldn't have a better bunch to be captain of. I've been around a bit, played in some good teams and I know just how much this group will make my job easier, there are lots of leaders."

The choice will be welcomed by our supporters, and the Jamaican international said, "Hopefully it's well received! It's important to have their backing and that of the staff and players. I'll give 100% to it, hopefully the supporters have seen me do that on the pitch and nothing will change in that respect."

[stickywhisky]

Great choice IMO, this might even give him a boost in his performances

[roadrunner]

Very happy with this!

[Royal_Delight]

Hope Griffin would be made the vice captain. What a player!

[andrew1957]

Congratulations to Jobi - well deserved.

He always speaks very well on the radio too!

[RobRoyal]

Well done Jobi. Fully deserved.

Will be nice to have a decent guy as the club captain again.

[Focher]

i can sense a Handbags Harris spaz rant coming on

[Wycombe Royal]

It was getting pretty obvious it would be him because of all the interviews he has been giving since signing his new contract.

Personally I think it is a great choice. Experienced, level-headed, well respected, etc.

Congratulations Jobi.

[royal67]

Excellent..... defiantely the right man for the job.....

[knobby_1871]

Great choice IMO, this might even give him a boost in his performances

^^ this 100% and I wonder if this may see him move to a more central role as out on the wing is not going to have much influence

[Hoop Blah]

Good choice, so much better than another hot head or putting anymore pressure on a youngster like Pearce.

I'm a big McAnuff fan but he has had spells where he's not dominated games as he possibly might. Hopefully this might drag a little more out of him in this way without effecting the amazing hard work he puts in wherever he ends up playing.

[TBM]

Pearce still vice-captain?

[brendywendy]

great decision.

i have complained that he doesnt seem to have the influence he should.
but thats simply furstration that such a massively talented player doesnt score/set up enough goals.

but he is probably our most consistently good player alongside mikele.
he speaks well, and is good leadership material too.

perfect for the job imo

[Maguire]

The right decision

[TBM]

McD - "sign a new deal"
McA - "no"
McD - "i'll make you captain"
McA - "ok"

[Ferris]

Well done Jobi. I fecking love ya <3

[loyalroyal4life]

could be a blessing in ensuring his performances improve somewhat in terms of consistency

either that or the responsibility will be too much for him!

[RoyalX]

Excellent choice for captain, very pleased with this.

Slightly different character to Mills!

[Soul Man]

Great news!

[Spud Gun]

I guess I must be the only one thinking this is a bit of a strange decision. Whilst I realise McAnuff is one of our most experienced players, he has been far from consistent to date. Also, playing as a winger makes it difficult for McAnuff to influence the whole of the team when he is on the pitch. Hopefully wearing the captains armband will bring the best out of him though.

Personally I thought Leigertwood would have been in with a shout for the captaincy purely for the way he leads by example on the pitch.

Has the vice captain been announced yet?