Page:Association Football and How to Play It (1908) by John Cameron.djvu/50

48 rather lose a game than win it by dirty tactics. He is never individual, and always gives the others a chance. To my mind, he is the ideal captain of the day, and everyone who wishes to be successful as a leader should go and watch him. The young player must always remember to keep perfect control over his temper, or he will do very little. Walter Bull thinks the ideal place for a "skipper" is that of centre half, but some others have preferred the goalkeeper's place. In the latter you have all the play before you, but from centre half hints can be passed unobserved to the front line. Alexander Tait, of Leyton, was ever quiet as a captain, no shouting on the field of play, but a friendly "tip" during the interval. What you regard as "hard lines" will often try your temper, but if you expect your side to obey the referee and the spectators to behave well, you must show the way. The skipper who succeeds is the man of few words on the field, though off it he may say a great deal. The club's affairs will go much more smoothly if he tries to be fair. No personal feeling must interfere with his choice of a player—the best man for the position, and the one who plays not for himself but for his side. To-day combination is required. I know one brilliant International who was very individual. Remonstrances were of no use, and at last came the time when he had to be left out of the team. He was a nice fellow, and since he left he has been captain for his country. One man, good as he may be, cannot win a match, and the captain, at least; should be free from reproach.