''Okocha the best captain I've worked with'', says England managerSam Allardyce

UK: New England football team manager Sam Allardyce has disclosed that Austin Jay Jay Okocha is the best captain he has ever worked it. Sam Allardyce who named the former Nigerian international as skipper of Bolton Wanderers following Guðni Bergsson’s retirement during their time at the club, said as captain, Okocha led Bolton to the 2004 League Cup final where they lost to Middlesbrough.


Speaking to Mirror.co.uk, Allardyce said Okocha, 43 was proficient in the role and was also a clever player.

“Jay Jay Okocha. On and off the field he was the captain you looked for,” he said.

"In a multi-national side from all over the world he could speak four different languages, communicate very well with some of the players who couldn't speak quite as good English.

“He sorted the odd scuffle out in the dressing room, talked to the players about how we had to go out and win. He'd take the manager's instructions and apply them in the right way.

“Then there was outstanding ability on the field, leading by example and showing everybody he wasn't a mercenary which was suggested in the beginning, that he'd only come for the money. He became an iconic figure at Bolton Wanderers.”

The Three Lions manager will lead England out for the first time on Sunday against Slovakia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.