Archive
Colo The Leader
Written by Newcastle Utd
Fabricio Coloccini has vowed to lead by example over the next few weeks, with manager Alan Pardew suspended
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Captain Fabricio Coloccini has vowed to lead by example on and off the pitch over the next few weeks, to ensure Newcastle United are not affected by manager Alan Pardew's seven-game ban.
After his touchline altercation at Hull earlier this month, Pardew has been issued with a three-game stadium suspension by the Football Association, which will be followed by a four-game touchline ban.
Therefore, assistant manager John Carver will be on dugout duty for the Magpies until the end of April, and according to Coloccini there is no better man for the job.
"The manager apologised to us for what happened at Hull and we all accepted that," explained the Argentine skipper to nufc.co.uk, ahead of Saturday's trip to Fulham in the Barclays Premier League.
"Now we move on and it is all about focussing on the next game and the rest of the season.
"This weekend will be a bit strange because the manager will not be on the bench. It is normal that he is there but for the next few weeks he will not be.
"However, we have John Carver, who has a lot of experience, there instead.
"John knows everything about this Club. He worked with Sir Bobby Robson during the best years for the Club. He was there, so he has a lot of knowledge and is somebody that we all respect.
"We trust in John and we have to work together to build on the last two games. We want to give similar performances and get more wins."
Coloccini insists it is not just those in the dugout who should step up to the plate in Pardew's absence, but the players as well.
As the Magpies' captain, the centre-back knows his influence is vital on his teammates, and will do whatever it takes for United to build on their back-to-back victories over Aston Villa and Hull.
"It is not just about John," he said. "Without the manager there it is up to all the players to step up and improve, and that includes me as captain.
"I always lead the team and give them my opinion but now I have to help even more. When I am on the pitch, it is my responsibility to pass on the manager's instructions and lead us.
"Now, that job is even more important without the manager there. I will be there to help John and hopefully we can get some wins, starting at Fulham on Saturday."
To buy a Newcastle United shirt with Fabricio Coloccini's name and number on the back, click here.