Joey Barton used his Twitter account to express his support for Coloccini.
He tweeted: "I'm happy for Colo and it's probably the correct decision given my precarious contract situation, gives stability.
"I'll be a leader without an armband and I'll be there for Colo as well as all the lads regardless.
"Selfishly, it lets me concentrate on playing well every week."
Coloccini: "I am thrilled to be named captain of Newcastle United. It is one of the proudest moments of my career.
"Leading the team out in front of our supporters in our first game against Arsenal will be a great honour for me and I aim to give my best for the team and the supporters throughout the season.
"I would also like to thank [manager] Alan Pardew for putting his faith in me. It means so much to me."
NU-MAD COMPETITION
We are offering FIVE copies of the new book 'Magpies In Europe' in our European competition. Simply answer the three questions and e-mail your answers to us.
1) What European competition did Newcastle Utd win in 1969?
2) Who did Newcastle Utd play in the final of that competition?
3) Tino Asprilla scored a hat-trick against which Spanish club?
SEND YOUR ANSWERS TO: Kevnumad@fsmail.net
The winners will be drawn next Wednesday July 13th and published on this website
