Lascelles named captain with Gayle being revealed as new number nine too

Jamaal Lascelles has been named Newcastle United’s new club captain following the departure of Fabricio Coloccini this summer.

The 22-year-old was titled as the fan’s favourite to take over from Coloccini in a poll ran by chroniclelive.co.uk last month.

Meanwhile, new signing Dwight Gayle has taken up the the Magpies’ iconic number nine shirt.

Newcastle’s youngest ever captain

At just 22 years of age, the Nottingham-born defender becomes the captain of Newcastle United.

Lascelles was signed from Nottingham Forest in 2014, but had to wait till 2015 to make his debut after he returned to complete a season long loan spell at the City Ground. But as the defender returned to Newcastle, he was still not saw as a first-team regular.

Due to the Magpies’ annual injury crisis, the youngster was in and out of the first team picture under Steve McClaren after he made his United debut against Manchester City in October 2015. Still, when Lascalles first start came in a FA Cup tie at Vicarage Road, he scored in a 2-1 defeat to Watford.

McClaren was sacked and opportunities emerged under new manager Rafael Benitez as Lascelles partnered Chancel Mbemba at the heart of the defence in United’s relegation battle.

And one public criticism of his team-mates following the defeat Southampton and just 10 starts the for the Toon Army, the 22-year-old quickly developed into a rightful leader for Newcastle United.

Lascelles looks fit for purpose – “unbelievable feeling”

The new captain told his reaction to NUFC TV where the claimed it was an “unbelievable feeling for a manger like Benitez to give him the captain's armband at a big club like this," and a “dream come true.”

Since his brutally honest interview at St Marys, United went seven games unbeaten till the end of the season and the defender has looked back on that day: “I’m not saying that what I said that day made us do so well afterwards. It might have got a reaction from the boys but I felt like at the time that it needed to be said.”

“Ill always give my all, and I see someone that isn’t giving their all, ill tell them. And if it means upsetting people then I don’t mind. I just want want what’s best for the club, its players and the fans.” Lascelles added.

On a personal level, the 22-year-old also stepped up which has saw him receive praise and loyalty from the boss and players: “I’m only 22 years of age so for Rafael Benitez to give that to me, I’m literally over the moon, I can’t believe it.”

Lascalles captained the Toon Army for all five of their pre-season games (Photo: chroniclelive.co.uk) — Lascelles captained the Toon Army for all five of their pre-season games (Photo: chroniclelive.co.uk)

Lascelles furthered by saying “It mean so much” and that “it makes him feel 10-foot taller."

"It brings a lot of power and feel like I’ve gained a lot of respect from the players" said Lascelles.

The defender believes "It is a lot of responsibility for a young player” he “will always give his all.”

Before Lascelles outlined the target for this season: "It is nice for someone to show that much trust in you, and I want to repay the manager's faith by leading this team back into the Premier League."

Benitez on Lascalles appointment

The Newcastle squad lacked leaders last season and with eight summer signings boosting the leadership values inside the dressing room, Benitez stuck by Lascalles: “Jamaal has proven himself to be a leader and a big personality in the dressing room and on the pitch.”

And the 56-year-old also clearly impressed by the way the young man conducted himself last season: "At the end of last season he really developed as a character and a man.”

Benitez is “pleased” for his captain but reiterated the importance of the whole team pulling together: "I have also said to other players that they must too show their character, strength and leadership qualities to support the team."

Gayle – the new number nine

After only signing this summer, Gayle has pipped Aleksander Mitrovic to the number nine shirt. The former-Crystal Palace striker will have the responsibly of firing United back to the Premier League.

Gayle is the new number nine of Newcastle United (Photo: Newcastle United)

Gayle is a confident man and will have no qualms about taking the number nine shirt so soon after joining. He will now hope to hit similar heights as past number nines in Jackie Milburn, Malcolm McDonald and record goal scorer, Alan Shearer.