Following my recent outburst against William Gallas, and doubts over Fab’s maturity to do the most important job on the pitch, I thought about why the captain’s armband (or specifically who wears it) is so important to all Gooners.

I suppose none of us have really got over Tony. Like Arsene as manager, Tony was captain for the best part of two decades and was such an important part of many of our most recently treasured memories… Anfield 89, Copenhagen 94, his left footed blockbuster against Everton to wrap up the Premier League in 98, (it still lifts the hairs on the back of my neck when I see that goal). He stood for everything that is Arsenal. He wasn’t perfect, but he never ever gave up in a fight and gave everything for the cause on and off the pitch. Since Tony, the captain’s armband has been a bit of a hot potato at The Arsenal.

Maybe it is because of whose footsteps they are trying to follow. Great players have taken the armband on (Henry for example) but have failed to really match Tony in all the ways that really matter to the supporters. Model pros yes… but willing to put a few f***s into their highly paid team mates when they are a goal down at Stoke? No.

Cesc I believe will always try to lead by his football example, but are the older members of the squad going to take on the pitch advice from a 21 year old? My doubts will probably linger for a few months.

But that said, I hope we now have our new “Skip” and that he remains so for many years to come.