Sol Campbell hoping for more Newcastle United signings
Jul 29 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
AFTER finally joining Newcastle United, Sol Campbell believes he can be part of a St James’ Park success story – provided Chris Hughton can make further additions to his squad.
The Magpies have made numerous attempts to sign Campbell, most recently in January, without managing to accommodate him within their wage structure – until now.
Campbell has a house in Northumberland and married Fiona Barratt, grand-daughter of Newcastle property tycoon Sir Lawrie Barratt, in Corbridge last month. But the thought of being part of a successful Magpies side was a major attraction too.
Having worked with United manager Hughton and assistant Colin Calderwood at Tottenham Hotspur, Campbell believes it a real possibility, though he pointed to the need for more signings. “The club wants success and I want to be part of that,” he said. “If you get the right players in I am sure success will come.
“I played with Colin and Chris was assistant manager at Tottenham so I know them pretty well.”
Defender James Perch and midfielder Dan Gosling – who is unlikely to play before Christmas – have also joined this summer, and Hughton is hoping for more.
That Campbell chose Newcastle over a number of alternatives suggests he is confident that will happen.
Arsenal, for whom he played Champions League football last season, were keen to re-sign him and Campbell also talked to Sunderland and Celtic, though Steve Bruce claimed his interest ended with the signing of Titus Bramble.
Like so many who join the North East’s Premier League clubs, Campbell cited passionate support as a big draw.
“It is a club with a great tradition and a fantastic crowd so I really can’t wait to get started,” said the 35-year-old.
“I have known Chris for a long time and I think they have been tracking me for a long time. Obviously it didn’t work before but now the time is right.
“The crowd is fantastic here, there is the tradition, the stadium – it is just great all round. I have played here a number of times against Newcastle and once you go out on the pitch you can really feel it. It’s a fantastic atmosphere.”
Campbell has played for five clubs (including two spells at Arsenal), without ever commanding a transfer fee. He has seen out his contract at every one except Notts County, where it was cancelled after one game. His Newcastle deal is for 12 months.
Capped 73 times by England, only David James (572), Ryan Giggs (548) and Gary Speed (535) have made more Premier League appearances than Campbell’s 496.
