The Sol Campbell Journey
Former England International, Sol Campbell, has signed for newly promoted Newcastle United on a one year deal after passing a medical at the club. Campbell left yet again on a free transfer, this time from Arsenal.
After starting his career at Tottenham Hotspurs, Campbell controversially moved to their fierce rivals, Arsenal in 2001 on a free transfer, even after giving a number of public statements insisting that he would never sign for the North London rivals.
Campbell had the most successful time of his career at Arsenal, where he won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups during his five years at the club. His time included a place in ‘The Invincibles’ side of 2004, which went unbeaten during the season on course to lifting the Premier League title.
After a loss of form at Arsenal, Campbell moved to Portsmouth on a free transfer after the 2005-2006 season. During his time at the South Coast club, Campbell managed to be a part of a historic success in the FA Cup where Portsmouth defeated Championship side Cardiff City. Campbell had the honour of being the Captain on the occasion and afterwards he said how it had been one of the highlights of his career up to that point.
The next move for Campbell was perhaps even more shocking than his move to Arsenal, as he gave up Premier League football and chose to sign a Five Year deal with League Two club, Notts County. Campbell’s former England manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson was instrumental in the move but it wasn’t long before Campbell was on his way out of the club, making only one appearance, after reportedly ‘losing faith’ in the project. His departure was followed by that of Eriksson, in one of the most bizarre transfers of all time.
Campbell spent some period out of football but he was back soon enough and it was his old club Arsenal who let the Englishman train with them as he looked to get his fitness back before finding himself a club. As it turned out, Arsene Wenger was so impressed with the former Tottenham man’s fitness and hard work that he offered him a rolling contract, which Campbell accepted and the move was officially announced on 12th January, 2009.
During the 2009/2010 season, Campbell was involved in a lot more games than the previous season due to injuries to other central defenders, William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen, and his form meant that Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, was prepared to offer him a contract extension.
Sol Campbell, however, changed his mind about staying at Arsenal and has decided to sign with the Magpies. The deal seems to be a smart piece of business of Newcastle Manager, Chris Hughton, after central defender Steven Taylor was ruled out of the start of the season due to a shoulder injury. Campbell will be hoping that he uses this opportunity to establish himself in the Newcastle team and help them maintain a place in the Premier League.
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