Rotherham United have has some good players who have worn the captains armband – there was Danny Williams who skippered the side in the first ever League Cup Final, the defence rock Peter Madden, Trevor Swift who first got the captaincy at Christmas 1968 spending his entire career at Millmoor, John Breckin who made over four hundred and sixty plus appearances and in the early 2000’s we had Martin McIntosh.

The New York Stadium has also seen some good men wearing the captains armband including Craig Morgan, Lee Frecklington, Richard Wood and latterly Joe Rafferty who was given the title last year under Matt Hamshaw.

But what makes a good captain?

For me it has to be someone who is a big character in the dressing room as well as on and off the field of play as well as someone who thinks it’s an honour to have the armband

The captain should also lead by example with professionalism at training and during a game. He has to know as much as he can about the squad and see when something isn’t right with one (or more) of the players. He should be able to communicate with everyone at the club – from the tea lady to the Chairman.

It should be someone who can remain calm, should be able to prevent panic setting in and be able to represent his team mates on the pitch with the referee if need be and be vocal.

Probably one of the best captains of a football team I can think of is Bobby Moore for England. He had authority yet was quiet, he knew how to execute instructions and pass this to his team mates. He had a great level sportsmanship and dignity. I also admired Franz Beckenbauer when he captained Germany in the 1970 World Cup and more so when he had a dislocated shoulder yet insisted on playing through extra time in the game against Italy.

What about you?

Who was your favourite captain for your club or/and your country?