A lot was made of Roy Keane’s recent comments surrounding Bruno Fernandes and his current captaincy role at Manchester United. Bruno Fernandes is a “brilliant footballer” but not captain material, according to Roy Keane, who felt the midfielder’s attitude was “unacceptable” in last Sunday’s harrowing Manchester derby defeat to Man City at Old Trafford. It got us thinking, what does it take to be an effective and successful modern day Captain?
You’ll not be surprised to learn that it didn’t take too much time nor research to showcase what we believe to be an inch perfect example in the shape of very own Simon Dunn.
Dunny has led this club through part of its darkest days to one of our best ever periods. But what is it that makes Simon such a successful captain?
“He listens.” Says Dan Brownlie, “He listens to everything that is going on around him. He understands the group, he understands their differences and also what unites them. He leads with a level of kindness but also with an assured expectancy that those around him put in the work and effort that he does. I can assure you, that’s no easy thing. For those that have watched Dunny over the years will know that his work-rate is quite incredible. They say talent is nothing without hard work, well his hard work has bundles of talent to go with it. He’s not a leader that pushes. He guides. He stands at the front and showcases the levels and the lads respond.”
Everyone at the club is immensly proud to have Simon as our Captain both on and off the pitch. He has established himself a long-lasting legacy having been one of the most succesful captains to ever pull on a Basingstoke shirt.
And long may it continue!