Captain Colo's amazing journey through stormy waters
Had somebody suggested that Fabricio Coloccini would one day captain Newcastle United just two years ago, the response may have been met with disbelief by large sections of the black and white army.
Today his appointment as skipper was being toasted as a result on Tyneside.
Some will argue that Coloccini was the scapegoat at times during the Magpies' infamous 08/09 season as they slid out of the Premier League but the South American's recovery can be described as nothing but sensational in the last two years.
The Argentine has came on leaps and bounds since relegation when it was pretty much open season on the players that took the club down.
For Colo, one of the milestones came at Cardiff City in September 2009 and just months after relegation.
That day Coloccini popped up with a vital winner in Wales and afterwards got all political with the very small band of Tyneside journalists who made the journey to Cardiff that day.
Coloccini opted not to discuss his goal against the Bluebirds with the Press that day in protest to those who had claimed he wanted to quit the Magpies and was staying at an Airport hotel and ready to move on.
Of course, there wasn't a player who didn't get linked with a move away from St James' Park that summer.
But for the first time, it was a display of emotion that suggested Coloccini was certainly up for the fight at SJP and wanted to help the Mags get back up at the first attempt.
The season 09/10 was a resounding success for Coloccini and resulted in the invention of the now famous "I want curly hair too" song.
Last term Coloccini followed up his Championship success with an oustanding performance in the Premier League to prove he really could cut the mustard in the top flight.
His appointment though, is certainly an interesting one.
Whether, he can have the same influence off the field is the cause for concern for many.
And it is unlikely that Colo will be able to gather the troops together in exactly the same way that Nolan did last season for team bonding sessions and suchlike.
Alan Pardew has already stated that there will be more input from John Carver and Steve Stone in this department and it is clear that that his two assistants will certainly police much of what happens in and around the dressing room.
On the field though, if this can take Coloccini to an even higher level in terms of leading by example and his all round performances, then it could turn out to be a good appointment.
It will prove to be an even better idea if Jose Enrique opts to stay on at Newcastle knowing that his close pals Jonas and Colo are staying.
Pardew probably had few choices with this appointment given Joey Barton's uncertain future, Steven Taylor's inexperience and the fact that Steve Harper may not be number 1 this season.
But it would appear Coloccini's appointment has won the backing of most Toon fans.
Do you think Coloccini was the right choice for captain?
Comment in the box below including your name and best responses will be printed in the Chronicle.
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Lee Ryder - Proudly born and bred on Tyneside, the Chronicle's chief sports writer has followed the fortunes of the club over the last three decades as a Toon fan and football writer.
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believe it will be a great decision by pards and a very very good season indeed (better still if toon sign charles from wigan
Lets read between the lines. THis must mean Joey is out. What of Harps too ???? Does it also mean though - that a spanish speaking captain can influence two of his team mates in thier native tongues.
an interesting appt, Colo is a great player - unlucky not to be picked inthe Argy World Cup squad last year.
Great choice and actually the only one, a complete turnround in performances and stature since his arrival as MA "marquee" signing.
A point also on signings, if proof was needed about the wisdom of MA's transfer policy, just look 15 miles down the road as the camera seeking Quinn and Fergie's mate SB as they swell their ranks with players who at the end of their contracts will be well into their mid 30's, perhaps the theme from Dads Army will greet them as the run "hobble" out at the stadium of plight.
colo will be up for the challange and i think he will do well for us also the toon want to hurry up if thay want inzogbia
The guy cannot speak english and cannot tackle.IS this a joke?
Best choice for the job, a 1st team regular and constantly fit.
¡Felicitaciones Colo - La Patagonia te mira!!
¡Buen suerte!