James Milner

[dww]

In the friendlies so far, Milner is doing an awful lot of instructing and going through things with players. I don't recall seeing him doing this much of it with Man City.

Rodgers may have spoken to the senior members of the squad i.e. Skrtel, Lucas, to go through his thinking with regard to leadership, as they'd be along the line to take the captaincy if and when Henderson and Milner don't play (if Milner gets the vice-captaincy).

I suspect there is less to tell Toure, Silva et al

[danperkins]

Given a fact that he just joined I am not sure how he could even be in consideration but I guess anything is possible and if Dominic King says he is the most likely choice then he'll probably be.

Would prefer that either Sakho, Skrtel or Lucas are chosen instead as I think choosing Milner would send the wrong message to the rest of the squad.

should have to earn it

[meffin]

Confirmed as the new vice captain

[Chris]

2 on here will be seething with rage but good choice!

Though he'll probably get rested for the games Hendo gets rested for so not sure he'll get many chances to captain us!

[Gibbo]

I think it should be Skrtel personally.

But he's British ain't he, and Brendan signed him, etc etc etc.

[McDermotX]

Bit of an odd one TBH, even if you can count on a few fingers how many many times he may be called upon.
More interesting to see how it may be seen by other players, certainly Skrtel, who was probably far better placed to be vice-captain, other than Lucas of course, who I'd have as my full captain if we knew he was playing every game.
Certainly there may be some reservations from some of a 'blow-in' becoming captain of a 'big' side.......might just get away with it as vice.

[danperkins]

Bit of an odd one TBH, even if you can count on a few fingers how many many times he may be called upon.
More interesting to see how it may be seen by other players, certainly Skrtel, who was probably far better placed to be vice-captain, other than Lucas of course, who I'd have as my full captain if we knew he was playing every game.
Certainly there may be some reservations from some of a 'blow-in' becoming captain of a 'big' side.......might just get away with it as vice.

[Chris]

Bit of an odd one TBH, even if you can count on a few fingers how many many times he may be called upon.
More interesting to see how it may be seen by other players, certainly Skrtel, who was probably far better placed to be vice-captain, other than Lucas of course, who I'd have as my full captain if we knew he was playing every game.
Certainly there may be some reservations from some of a 'blow-in' becoming captain of a 'big' side.......might just get away with it as vice.

It's not really odd at all, quality player, multiple managers say he's a brilliant trainer who sets the standard for others to follow / look up to, seems like he'd be the great ambassador off the pitch type too. How is that not a perfect captain/vice? If you can look past the bitterness at Marty not getting it it makes complete sense.

[G]

You don't need to be long serving to be captain or vice captain. Its not a requirement that automatically entitles you to such roles. Mark Wright walked through the door of the club and became captain, Paul Ince too. King Kenny became captain in his second season. Hyypia two years in. You just have to be right for the job regardless of time at the club. Milner would be my choice too, he's an excellent player with bags of winning experience.

Meaningless job in reality though.

[McDermotX]

You don't need to be long serving to be captain or vice captain. Its not a requirement that automatically entitles you to such roles. Mark Wright walked through the door of the club and became captain, Paul Ince too. King Kenny became captain in his second season. Hyypia two years in. You just have to be right for the job regardless of time at the club. Milner would be my choice too, he's an excellent player with bags of winning experience.

Meaningless job in reality though.

Decent points, though the Ince point almost invalidates the others, never mind Wright's injuries, but some players may see it as a status of time served as well, especially those who have served in the capacity in the past , as well as being long-serving members of the first team - so while the public face will be fine, and professionalism will win through, I don't think it's inconceivable that some may raise eyebrows.
It is pretty meaningless in the grand scheme of things, and while I've no real objection to Milner as VC, the longer it went with no follow-up announcement once Henderson was confirmed, suggested something else was going on.

[danperkins]

I did think Skrtel would have got it, loyal servant of the club and all that. But yeah it's really no big deal, once it doesn't cause any **** behind the scenes.

[McDermotX]

Brendan Rodgers today confirmed James Milner has been appointed as Liverpool's vice-captain.

The summer signing from Manchester City will serve as Jordan Henderson’s understudy for 2015-16, with the manager announcing the decision at his pre-Stoke City press conference on Friday afternoon.

Asked about the impact Milner has made since arriving at Anfield in July, Rodgers told reporters: “He is someone I admired from the outside for a long time. He’s played at this level since he was 16 years of age and has played for some fantastic clubs.

“He went to Man City and did a great job and when the possibility he was going to be available, obviously you’re surprised but then you’re hoping you can get him to come to your club because he’s the type of player who gives everything.

“His actual football talent has probably gone under the radar because he’s played around some outstanding talents, but this is a guy who works tirelessly at his game. He’s in here at 7.45am in the morning making sure he’s prepared for his training, getting all of his food supplements and getting everything correct before training – he’s in two-and-a-half hours before he trains and then does his work, gives his maximum. He prepares himself like an elite player should.

“He’s also got big character and a big mentality, and I felt we needed that in the team to the extent where he will be the vice-captain this year.

“Jordan has been appointed the captain, but he’ll be a great ally for him because he leads by example. James is a wonderful, wonderful footballer and a big personality in the dressing room as well.

“His commitment, his qualities, how dynamic he is on the training field and how demanding he is of other players. That in terms of the captaincy and vice-captaincy can work really well for us.”

Rodgers also had words of praise for the manner in which Henderson has taken to the role of Liverpool captain since being awarded the armband on a permanent basis in July.

The boss is also confident the 25-year-old will develop his leadership skills even further as he grows in confidence.

“As he becomes comfortable in the role, that’ll progress in his leadership,” said Rodgers. “You see it on the field, he’s very dynamic and leads by example.

“Off the field he’s been absolutely outstanding and has been a wonderful ambassador in his first summer [as captain] on tour in taking on that mantle. He’s done fantastically well. For him, it’s a new experience but one that he is really relishing and thriving under.”

Day's half ****ing over for the rest of us.

[Fosterbloke]

I'm not unhappy about Milner being selected. I'd have preferred Lucas but I don't think he'll be as much a regular as Milner and this likely counted against him.

[Chris]

You don't need to be long serving to be captain or vice captain. Its not a requirement that automatically entitles you to such roles. Mark Wright walked through the door of the club and became captain, Paul Ince too. King Kenny became captain in his second season. Hyypia two years in. You just have to be right for the job regardless of time at the club. Milner would be my choice too, he's an excellent player with bags of winning experience.

Meaningless job in reality though.

Yep, pretty much, not sure longevity of being average is much of a shout to be a captain! Besides, the longevity only exists because they cant do any better anyway, if Skrtel or whoever else could do what Suarez, Mascherano etc have done they'd be off in a shot! It's easy to be loyal when you cant do any better.

[danperkins]

I'm not unhappy about Milner being selected. I'd have preferred Lucas but I don't think he'll be as much a regular as Milner and this likely counted against him.

I think Lucas would be a great captain, but remains to be seen how much Rodgers rates him.