Filed under: Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football
When a new signing who is yet to make a competitive appearance for the club is handed the captaincy over the long-serving local lad, then you know something's up.That is exactly what has happened at Wolverhampton following the confirmation summer recruit Roger Johnson will replace Karl Henry as skipper for the 2011-12 campaign.
Henry wore the armband for three years, yet with considerable competition for places in midfield, it appears he is no longer a mainstay.
Manager Mick McCarthy said: "I have decided to make the change and pass the armband onto Roger. I think it can be easier to captain the side from that position in the centre of defence where you can see everything in front of you and are perfectly placed to organise the team.
"Roger has carried that out successfully in the past and his leadership qualities will be of benefit to everyone. I'd like to thank Karl who has carried out the job diligently and professionally. He will continue to be a key member of my team."
Quite how Henry responds to the news remains to be seen, however he is unlikely to have been impressed.
By his own admission, the midfielder enjoyed an indifferent campaign which will be best remembered for his tackling, following a controversial challenge on Jordi Gomez of Wigan and criticism of the club from Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy after Henry was involved in the challenge which broke Bobby Zamora's leg.
The deposed skipper said recently: "My real concern is just getting back to the way I play in a good, consistent season because I felt I had a patchy campaign last year and I wasn't really happy with my form."
As well as bringing in Jamie O'Hara, McCarthy has been linked with the likes of Liverpool's Jay Spearing, Manchester City's Michael Johnson and free agent Thomas Hitzlsperger, raising further question marks over Henry's Molineux future.
McCarthy's move is also likely to divide supporters, with many viewing Wolverhampton-born Henry as an important link between the dressing room and fans.
"It's amazing to be honest," said Johnson, who will skipper the side for the first time in the friendly with Real Zaragoza at Molineux. "I had it at Wycombe before and a spell at Cardiff but to be made captain after only being here a short while is unbelievable.
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/08/04/why-roger-johnsons-appointment-as-wolves-captain-is-a-blow-for/
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