Which also begs the question as to whether he was a great captain. He certainly didn't seem to be a unifying presence.
He unified those on his 'side' - just look at all the positive messages from players saying how great he was etc. The divide in the camp was too much for any captain to alleviate.
I know it was ultimately futile, and one of the worst days of my Newcastle watching life, but I took a figurative step back during the second half at Villa Park. The organisation was incredible, so well drilled. A sign of things to come ?