I'll keep Diouf in check, says Cats skipper

Aug 13 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

AS the Football Association prepares to put its new "Respect" agenda to its first major test, Dean Whitehead has admitted it will be his job as Sunderland captain to keep one of the biggest threats to it in line.

Last week the FA launched its new campaign to clean up the game’s image by encouraging players, managers and supporters to show a better attitude to referees and each other.

Although it was in place for the opening weekend of the Football League season it is Saturday’s Premier League programme where the new approach will be under greatest scrutiny.

As a scourge of officials in the past, Sunderland’s summer signing El-Hadji Diouf could be high on some referees’ hit-lists but the Senegalese forward’s new captain is determined to keep him out of trouble.

"Diouf is a character," said Whitehead, showing a fine grasp of the art of under- statement. "Every player brings different challenges and I will get on with my job (as captain) as normal. He is bubbly, everyone knows what he is about. Sometimes he gets himself into trouble, or others create it for him, but I’m sure he will be fine.

"People will know what Diouf is all about and we will have to look after him and help him to try to make sure he does not get himself into trouble because referees will be after him They target certain players.

"It’s part of my job and other players’ to make sure he doesn’t react in a bad way. You do get different reactions from certain players.

"You won’t change him and it’s our job to make sure he does not overstep the mark. He is no different in training. What you see is what you get."

Whitehead is aware of the intense scrutiny the behaviour of Premier League footballers will be under in the early weeks of the season and the ex-Oxford United player is willing to do his bit to

make the life of officials more bearable. He would, though, like to see referees do their bit.

"Referees have a tough job but if we can help the game clean up its image then that’s great," he said. "When you watch a game you are talking about a referee and it would be interesting if they came out and explained the situation, cleared it up for everyone concerned.

"Every referee is different. I have my favourites. You do look before the game and think about who is refereeing. We normally find out and look at the programme.

"In the Championship, captains go into see the referee. If that makes it easier to talk to the referee that’s great. It’s worth doing."

Diouf’s less savoury antics have got him into trouble with the law courts as well as the FA. In April 2005 he pleased guilty to a charge of reckless behaviour after being accused of spitting at an 11-year- old Middlesbrough fan.

But Whitehead is also well aware of the talent the former Liverpool and Bolton Wanderers player possesses and after seeing him score home and away against the Wearsiders last season, he is pleased to have him on his side.

"He has been a good player to play against," he added. "He played well against us last season. He always produces something."

Midfielder Dickson Etuhu has pledged his future to the club after rumours of interest from Wigan Athletic this summer.

Everton have also made it known they have no plans to sell Leighton Baines to Sunderland.