Allen set to choose his leader

GILLINGHAM approach their first real pre-season test, at Dartford on Saturday, with a decision still looming as to who will captain the team.

This week, when asked, Gills boss Martin Allen insisted a decision on the captaincy under his management was not made.

Many will assume that the armband will once more be handed to Andy Frampton. He conducts himself with the utmost professionalism and certainly had the respect of the rest of the squad.

Frampton (pictured) has already worked under Allen at Brentford, where he helped the club to successive play-offs. But it’s no certainty that the new Gills boss will pick the experienced defender to lead the side out again this season.

When asked on Wednesday if he had made a decision on the new captain, replied with a stern "no". So who are the possible candidates.

Frampton is certainly one of them but do you go for experience and professionalism or pick out a lively personality like Charlie Lee - he is certainly likeable and has played at a good level before.

With such a young team there are few other real options. Danny Kedwell could do the job, as he clearly loves the club - having supporterd the Gills as a youngster - and will be looking to be a regular starter under the new manager.

There are few others to choose from so maybe Allen has got some other transfer targets in mind that could fit the bill. Or maybe if Barry Fuller comes back onboard he could get the nod.

No doubt it’s probably not one of Allen’s biggest dilemmas at the minute, as he searches high and low for new recruits, but these little things can make a difference.

The captain’s role at Gills in recent years has certainly caused a few stirs, with previous boss Mark Stimson taking the captaincy off Andrew Crofts before shipping him off to the Conference on loan.

Andy Hessenthaler made a similarly bold decision to take the armband away from Fuller and give it to Frampton.

Footballers are proud people and it will be interesting to see who Allen chooses to lead his team to what will hopefully be third time lucky as they challenge for promotion in League 2.

So who do you think should skipper the Gills this season? Or does it not even matter? Comment below.