Smith Captains the All Whites - Ipswich Town News
Town defender Tommy Smith has been confirmed as captain of New Zealand for their two friendlies in the US. The All Whites are in action against El Salvador in Houston overnight and against Honduras in Dallas on Sunday. Coach Ricki Herbert had been expected to name a more experienced player as regular skipper Ryan Nelsen’s replacement for the two US-based games.
Herbert will appoint a new vice-captain to Nelsen once his squad has arrived in the Solomon Islands for their Oceania Nations Cup matches next week.
The veteran Tottenham centre-half is currently injured and is unavailable for the friendlies and the games in the Solomon Islands, which double as World Cup qualifying matches, meaning his newly-appointed deputy will wear the armband during the tournament.
Smith and West Ham’s Winston Reid, who joins up with the squad after the matches in the US, are candidates for the vice-captaincy.
Photo: Action Images
What to read next:
McKenna: New Leadership Group FinalisedBlues manager Kieran McKenna says a new leadership group has been finalised with the players assembled over the summer getting to know one another better having taken part in some team bonding last weekend.
McKenna: Blades Win a Good Way to Start the Next ChapterTown boss Kieran McKenna says last week’s 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United gave everyone a boost but that the players were in a positive mindset and looking forward to the season ahead even prior to the victory over the Blades.
McKenna: Burns Making Progress, Everyone Else Has TrainedTown boss Kieran McKenna says Wes Burns is making good progress as he continues his recovery from his ACL injury with the Wales international the only player absent from training this week ahead of Saturday’s game at Blackburn Rovers.
U17s Beaten By HammersTown’s youngsters were beaten 4-0 by West Ham United in their opening U17 Premier League Cup game at Playford Road this afternoon.