The job of picking the man was easy, because both Given and Barton were injured at the time of our first Premiership match of the season, so Geremi just about picked himself.
But now Geremi's team-mates have been so impressed with his calm approach and natural leadership skills that they have nicknamed him Mandela after the former civil rights campaigner and president of South Africa.
Allardyce Happy To Stick With His Skipper
Manager Sam Allardyce has been delighted with Geremi's impact since he signed for the club in June and he is happy to hand him the armband.
Goalkeeper Steve Harper says he is the one to come up with the nickname.
Goalkeeper Steve Harper says he is the one to come up with the nickname.
Harper: "Geremi was the perfect choice to be captain.
"I've already nicknamed him Mandela. He speaks like Nelson Mandela and he's captain as well, so he has taken on that statesman's role at the club.
"He speaks a few languages and with so many different nationalities in the squad that is important.
"He speaks a few languages and with so many different nationalities in the squad that is important.
"I think he speaks French and Spanish, as well as English. He is a calm sort of character, but he has authority as well so it's a fitting choice.
"He has slotted straight in, he's one of the lads, but he's been there and done that at Chelsea and Real Madrid so he gets a lot of respect from the players because he has that experience behind him.
"He is a good guy to have in the dressing room and people already look up to him."