Keepers 'should not be captain as they could be too far from flashpoints'

Neale Barry, the Professional Game Match Officials' head of senior referees' development, has indicated goalkeepers could be too far from any on-field flashpoints to take a captain's responsibility for helping the man in the middle 'manage' the other players.

Included in clubs that have been captained by goalkeepers, albeit often ad hoc, are Manchester United (Edwin van der Sar), Tottenham (Paul Robinson), Portsmouth (David James) and Blackburn (Brad Friedel) amongst others.

Not recommended: Goalkeepers such as Blackburn's Paul Robinson, pictured skippering Spurs, don't make ideal captains according to Neale Barry

Launched with this Sunday's Community Shield clash between Premier League champions Manchester United and FA Cup winners Portsmouth at Wembley, one of the programme's key issues is greater respect for referees and a clampdown on dissent.

Barry's organisation, along with the Football Association, Premier League, Football League, League Managers' Association and the players' union, have sanctioned the scheme to clean up football's tarnished image.

High-profile incidents last season such as Chelsea's Ashley Cole turning his back on attempts of admonishment by referee Mike Riley and Liverpool's Javier Mascherano repeatedly refusing to leave the field when sent off by Steve Bennett against Manchester United, have motivated the joint initiative.

It means controversial captains like Chelsea's former England skipper John Terry and Arsenal's fiery Frenchman William Gallas - both known for their personal passion - will be asked to assist referees in calming potential disorder.

They will also be expected to meet the match official before kick-off when team-sheets are handed in and be given a briefing of what he expects as a code of conduct from the teams.

Barry, who has warned referees that "some of them will have to change their mindsets and stand up to confrontation", is clearly worried about goalkeepers, too.

He said: 'They wouldn't be the ideal choice as captain. It would probably mean them nominating somebody else in the team for the referee to consult on the pitch.'

He added: 'We need captains to take a greater level of responsibility in helping referees manage the game.

'But we still need referees to deal firmly with dissent - with no running away from confrontation. We have the assurance that their actions will be backed up the authorities.'