Fraizer Campbell: Simple solution ended slump

Mar 18 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

IT may have taken them more than three months to work it out, but Fraizer Campbell says the solution to Sunderland’s slump was an allusively simple one.

Campbell’s best form at Sunderland on the right wing has coincided with a vast improvement in the team’s performances during the win over Bolton and last weekend’s draw with Manchester City.

And the former Manchester United prospect argued that the answer to the problem of 14 games without a win was always within their grasp – they just needed to remember what a good side they are.

“The mood has lifted, it’s amazing what a few points can do for you,” said Campbell, whose early goal against Bolton sparked the Black Cats’ long overdue recovery last week.

“We’ve won a game and drawn one and spirits have been lifted massively.

“It does sound weird in a sense, but I think we have remembered what a good side we are. At the start of the season we were playing some good football and looked a decent team.

“Then came the bad patch, and it was really difficult to get out of it. That first win against Bolton, though, changed everything and we are starting to play like we know we can. We

still can’t work out why we had such a slump. Perhaps the penny dropped because when you looked at the table, it wasn’t pleasant. We’ve turned it around, though, and we want to carry that on.”

Campbell was signed by Steve Bruce as back up to first-choice strike pair Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones, but he has spent the majority of his time on the right wing.

The 22-year-old initially found it difficult to impress in an unfamiliar role, but his performances have improved significantly and admits he is happy to stay out there, despite the injury which may sideline Jones for a short period.