One Armband, Many Captains

JOHN Sheridan hopes that the responsibility of captaincy will help Curtis Nelson’s game flourish.

The central defender inherited the skipper’s armband this summer just weeks after his 21st birthday following Conor Hourihane’s departure to Barnsley, and will lead the side for the first time in a meaningful game when Argyle visit Sky Bet League 2 new boys Cambridge United on Saturday.

“He’s played a lot of games for a lad of a young age,” said John, “and, when you speak to him and when he’s in and around the players, you wouldn’t think he’s a 21 year-old.

“More than anything, I hope it will help his game, get him more vocal; he’s got to be communicating on the pitch, and he’s got the armband – hopefully that will give him more responsibility.

“I’ve got no worries. I’ve got other players around him. I’ve got Pete [Hartley], Pete talks anyway, he doesn’t need an armband; Coxy [Lee Cox] talks; Luke [McCormick) talks; and I’ve made it clear I want more players who are going to be vocal.

“Obviously, Nelse has the captain’s armband, but I’d like more people to think like a captain, and talk like a captain. It will make my job a lot easier.”