Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Wenger surprised by Campbell move

Pa
Tuesday 25 August 2009 12:13 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted he was surprised to see former Gunners captain Sol Campbell end up at Notts County.

The 34-year-old was unveiled by the ambitious League Two club today after agreeing a five-year deal at Meadow Lane.

Campbell was available on a free transfer after his contract with Portsmouth expired, but Wenger was still not expecting to see the former England defender show up at the Magpies.

"It was a surprise, because of the level Notts County play at," said the Gunners boss. "That shows you as well how much financial potential Notts County has suddenly.

"In May, did you expect Sol to go to Notts County? Certainly not."

He added: "Time will show if it is a good move for him. It depends what is in his mind, if it is purely a football move or if it is a long-term move that he wants to be involved afterwards as a coach.

"Maybe it can be a good decision if he wants to build something on the longer term.

"On the short term, he will suffer a bit because he is used to top level football.

"When you move down, it is always difficult to cope mentally."

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp revealed he would have attempted to sign Campbell had he managed any other Barclays Premier League club.

Campbell is a hate figure among Spurs fans after leaving for Arsenal in 2001, with 11 people charged for indecent chanting at the centre-back at a match last season.

After playing under Redknapp at Portsmouth, Campbell will now link up again with former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, who is the director of football at County.

"If I was at any other Premier League club and wasn't at Tottenham I would have taken Sol Campbell no problem at all," Redknapp said. "I think he is still a fantastic player.

"In my opinion he's still in the top six central defenders in the Premier League so for Notts County to get him in that division is incredible."

Campbell played in the Champions League final in 2006 just before Redknapp took him to Fratton Park, where he stayed until his contract expired.

Redknapp had problems at centre-back at the start of the season and turned to Sebastien Bassong at Newcastle rather than risking a potentially explosive return for Campbell.

"I couldn't have myself, it would have been impossible - but anywhere but Tottenham I would have," the Spurs boss added.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in