Phoenix Football Academy founder Craig Butler extended his congratulations to Leon Bailey on Wednesday, following the footballer’s first time captaining Aston Villa.
In their first pre-season friendly of the summer, Aston Villa faced off with Walsall on Wednesday at Walsall’s home ground, Bescot Stadium. The match saw Bailey donning the captain’s armband for the first time as Villa claimed a 0-3 victory.
Butler took to Instagram later that day and shared how proud he was of the young player, posting a video montage of Bailey as well as other former Phoenix players. Butler, who is the adopted father and agent of the Jamaican footballer, expressed that it is a great honour to captain the team and was evidence of the trust the club has in Bailey.
“To be trusted by Aston villa to lead the Squad if just for a moment is a huge honour and we are truly proud of you Leon. It shows the club appreciates and believes in your ability to make sound decisions. Let they who have ears let them hear,” Butler wrote.
Fans of the footballer echoed Butler’s statements, with one Instagram user writing, “It’s a huge honor for Leon Bailey to be chosen as captain regardless if it’s preseason. It shows that he’s seen as a leader amongst the Villa players as well. Straight out of Jamaica. The hate and animosity towards him will propel him to extraordinary heights. Destiny awaits @leonbailey 🤞🏾 big season ahead 💫.”
Bailey is currently signed on a three-year deal with the option to extend for another year with Villa, which he signed earlier this year.
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