Barnsley: Darrell Clarke’s Luca Connell decision could be a masterstroke - View | OneFootball

Manager Darrell Clarke has already made a masterstroke early in his Barnsley career by handing the captaincy to fans favourite, Luca Connell.

Manager Darrell Clarke has already made a masterstroke early in his Barnsley career by handing the captaincy to fans' favourite Luca Connell.

Connell impressed during his time at Oakwell with his energy and passion in midfield.

When sidelined at the start of last season with illness, Barnsley missed his engine in the middle of the pitch. By handing the captaincy to Connell, Clarke has identified a leader both on and off the pitch.

With experienced defender Marc Roberts now vice-captain, the manager has two warriors to depend on to guide the Reds through the season.

Captain Connell is just what Barnsley need

The subject of club captaincy was discussed by supporters at length last season when Jordan Williams was handed the armband by then-manager Neill Collins. Many thought Williams did not have the right attributes to be captain and felt the defender's form was affected as a result of this decision.

Collins' decision was based on Williams being one of the more established players at Oakwell, having played for the Reds more than 200 times, and no doubt he saw enough of Williams' leadership qualities in the dressing room to justify his decision.

However, it did not always appear like that on the pitch, with Williams seemingly quiet and unassuming. Supporters like to see a captain as a leader of men and someone they can depend on to rally their side, especially in times of need. In that respect, Connell appears a better fit for captain than his predecessor.

Connell does fit the mould of club captain, especially on the pitch. A player with immense energy, determination, vocal in games, and one who “plays for the badge”, he seemed an easy choice for the captaincy by Clarke.

Off the pitch, the midfielder appears mature beyond his years. The 23-year-old comes across as measured, calm, and assured in press conferences. All attributes that will be tested this season as captain.

Worried fans thought Connell might be sold in the summer

Once the final whistle went in last season's play-off semi-final defeat to Bolton Wanderers, Barnsley fans were worried that a number of their better players would leave the club, Connell among them.

Images of Bolton manager Ian Evatt chatting to him on the pitch at the end of the game sent rumours into overdrive that his former club would look to re-sign the midfielder.

So far, it seems the midfielder is here to stay and happy at Oakwell. Handing the captaincy to the Liverpudlian is a masterstroke by Clarke. It is the right move on the pitch for reasons already mentioned, but it elevates the player's stature at Oakwell, shows the commitment of the club to him, and in so warns off any potential interest from other clubs.

When Conor Hourihane returned to the club, many thought the Irishman might be club captain, having already held the role previously. With Hourihane stating he is unlikely to play every week, it makes sense to find an alternative.

The returning Roberts, an experienced defender, is an ideal vice-captain. A player who knows the club, who can assist Connell both on the pitch and in the dressing room. The hope is the pair strike up a good working relationship.

The move by Clarke to appoint the captaincy to Connell has been well received. With their new skipper signing a four-year contract extension at the club, which runs until the end of the 2026-2027 season, hopefully, Barnsley fans will see many years of the midfielder wearing the armband at Oakwell.