EXCLUSIVE: Liam Fontaine speaks out on decision to quit as Bristol City captain.
Bristol City defender Liam Fontaine insists he had no choice but to relinquish the captain’s armband earlier this season.
Speaking for the first time about the most testing season of his career, the Londoner admits the responsibility of leading a struggling team in the Championship affected his form.
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Liam Fontaine says the responsibility of captaincy affected his form.
Recalling the poor performances and results that ultimately cost manager Derek McInnes his job, Fontaine also revealed the personal hurt he felt when the team slipped to the foot of the table.
No one was prouder to be made captain than the former Fulham centre-back, who moved to Ashton Gate from Craven Cottage in 2006.
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But things quickly went wrong for Fontaine and the team and a series of heavy defeats caused the skipper’s own form to suffer as confidence waned.
Subjected to vehement criticism from sections of the Ashton Gate crowd, Fontaine took his problems on the field home with him.
He said: “It was hard when the team was struggling and the pressure was on.
“We are all human beings and it was a horrible time. Sometimes, you are affected by things and there was a lot of criticism flying around back then.
“It has been a frustrating season for me personally, because I’ve been here seven years now and Bristol is a big part of my career and my life.
“It’s in my heart and, when things go wrong, it does affect me.”
The more responsibility Fontaine assumed, the more his form suffered and he eventually gave up the captaincy in December, since when Cole Skuse, Louis Carey and Marvin Elliott have all led the team into action.
He said: “When I had the armband, I think I tried to do too much. I’m the kind of guy that wants to take responsibility, but also takes things to heart.
“I think I tried to take on too much for other people and I felt I had to try to put things right all over the pitch. Of course, it cannot be done and I began to struggle with it all.
“I spoke to the old gaffer (McInnes) and he decided the best thing was to remove that responsibility and enable me to focus on my own game. I wanted to get my own game back.”
Restored to his natural role as a left-sided centre-back since Sean O’Driscoll succeeded McInnes in mid-January, Fontaine has rediscovered his form and played his part in a revival that has seen the Robins win four consecutive home games to move off the bottom of the table.
His confidence restored, the Londoner scored his first goal in three seasons to help City beat fellow strugglers Barnsley 5-3 at the weekend.
He said: “In difficult times, you are judged by how you react and I think I have reacted in the right way. I’m showing again what kind of player I can be and long may it continue.
“I’ve been enjoying my football lately and I’ve been playing with a smile on my face again. My strongest position is as a left-sided centre-back and it is nice to be back in that role. I feel comfortable there and I genuinely enjoy playing alongside Greg Cunningham at left-back.
“Everyone is in their correct slot now and that has helped us defend better as a team. We’re still a work in progress, but we do seem to have a better defensive unit now. We’re by no means the finished article, but we will keep working at it in training and keep improving.”
7 Comments
by Red_Emerson
Thursday, February 28 2013, 1:12PM
“Stead would be a great choice but if you're planning for next season, perhaps Cunningham, Heaton or Moloney, should be considered.
Can't see Carey, Stead or Skuse being around, after this season.”
by rocketbob
Thursday, February 28 2013, 11:39AM
“We don`t know enough about the dressing room to make a proper judgement.
Having said that my humble opinion is that being Club Captain MAY be different to being captain on the pitch. Carey is obviously the most experienced PRO but may not get a contract next year. Stead and Elliott may not be on the pitch for ninety minutes with Skuse Davis and Baldock fit,
The team know what they have to do for the remainder of the season. Carey, Elliott and Skuse are apparantly happy with the role.
Whether we stay up or not remains to be seen i believe the final decision should not be made t o next season, after S`oD knows his squad.
I would vote for Skuse as Club Captain and wait and see for the leader on the field.”
by GlennBackwell
Thursday, February 28 2013, 10:10AM
“To be fair, after the Blackburn game Liam Fontaine lead the team to a well earned 2-1 win at Peterborough.
The major problems set in after this game and I believe the main reason for this was the long-term injury to Greg Cunningham; this upset the stability of our back-four.
I wouldn't pick Louis Carey as captain, not that he isn't a good leader, but he just doesn't play regularly enough because of reoccuring injuries.
Ideally you want your captain on the pitch week-in week-out.
There is one person I believe is perfect for the job - Jon Stead.
The guy is a class act, has a wealth of experience and is clearly passionate about Bristol City.
I think Jon Stead would command the respect of the dressing room and ensure we take to the field with eleven captains on the pitch.”
by manchestergas
Thursday, February 28 2013, 12:50AM
“fair play to the lad. he gave it his all and was mature enough to approach his manager and decide to step down. Takes a decent, strong guy to do that.”
by gdknac
Wednesday, February 27 2013, 10:49PM
“Carey would be obvious choice for captain. Skuse is too quiet and lacks leadership. This was evident against Ipswich when Carey handed him a right rollocking in the first half and effectively assumed the captaincy for the rest of the game. Carey's injury record could mean that he does not always feature in the remaining games and this would lead to inconsistency in captaincy.
Elliott, though improved is still off his game. For me he requires too much time and lacks any accuracy passing.
For me, last years player of the season, Stead, would be my choice. Shows good character and if saturdays performance was anything to go by, would be a natural leader by example alone.”
by piledriver
Wednesday, February 27 2013, 6:45PM
“Fontaine has played RCB since Carey's injury.
It all started to go wrong for him from Blackburn (3-5) onwards.My view is that we still need two CB's IF we manage to stay in the NPC.
If we stay in the NPC, I wouldn't be surprised to see all of the current CB's leave, if of course the Board support the manager in the transfer market.Nyatanga & Carey will both be OOC.
In terms of key players, Skuse, Carey & Stead are all likely to be gone next year, more if we're relegated so I don't envy SOD either way.”
by Vonner
Wednesday, February 27 2013, 5:21PM
“Hard to blame Fontane - he is going to accept the honour and give it a go - but everyone could see it was affecting him (but it was left to drag on too long). You don't become a bad player overnight.
Carey aka Mr City is the obvious choice - also Stead definitely and Elliott would be good (providing they are asked privately beforehand). Skuse while seeming a good candidate is a bit too quiet. The problem is you need a regular to do it - and City have struggled one way or another (injuries, form) to have anyone stringing games together.”