Gallen: Tireless Portsmouth skipper's leading by example

Gareth Evans' captaincy approach is inspiring Pompey's players.
Gareth Evans has led Pompey in their past six league games.  Picture: Joe PeplerGareth Evans has led Pompey in their past six league games.  Picture: Joe Pepler
Gareth Evans has led Pompey in their past six league games. Picture: Joe Pepler

That's the verdict of Joe Gallen, who has been impressed with how the popular midfielder has led the Blues this season.

But the assistant boss is also convinced Brett Pitman's skippering style can be motivational.

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Vice-captain Evans has worn the armband for Pompey's past six league matches, while Pitman has operated from the bench.

Gareth Evans has led Pompey in their past six league games.  Picture: Joe PeplerGareth Evans has led Pompey in their past six league games.  Picture: Joe Pepler
Gareth Evans has led Pompey in their past six league games. Picture: Joe Pepler

It has coincided with Kenny Jackett's side occupying second spot and maintaining an unbeaten start to the League One campaign.

And while Pitman is still the club captain, his understudy continues to impress Gallen.

He said: '˜I find Gareth a very no-nonsense character.

'˜He's not one for talking to me too much, I would have to go to him to talk. I wouldn't have thought he speaks to Kenny too much either.

Brett Pitman prepares to lead Pompey out against Luton on the opening day of the seasonBrett Pitman prepares to lead Pompey out against Luton on the opening day of the season
Brett Pitman prepares to lead Pompey out against Luton on the opening day of the season
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'˜He just comes out, gets on with it, it doesn't seem that anything really fazes him.

'˜Whether he is in or out of the team, he's the same person. He trains very, very well every day, looks after himself really well and communicates through his actions as opposed to what he says.

'˜If I had to pick a way as captain that's the best way, but everyone has different ways, it's not to say the other way is wrong.

'˜Gareth's is: 'my communication to you is how I train today, how I conduct myself, how I act'. As captain there are loads of ways '“ I like that way.

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'˜He won't give up, he won't give in, he's no-nonsense and will expect the same commitment and energy levels that he has '“ and that's a pretty good leader.'

On occasions this season, Pitman has reclaimed the captain's armband after entering as substitute, irrespective of whether Evans is on the pitch.

And Gallen has also been impressed by the striker's approach to the job.

He added: '˜Brett thinks and leads by how he wants to put the ball in the net.

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'˜He thinks: 'I will help the team and lead the team by scoring' '“ and I like that way, too.

'˜Brett is more vocal than Gareth, definitely. Gareth is: 'I am going to run and chase and do everything, you other 10 lads come with me because that's what I am doing'.

'˜Gareth will give you everything he has in any given situation, he will never hide.'Â