Old man, young man: Freddie Sears and Sol Campbell last night
Sol Campbell made his comeback for Arsenal last night, turning out for the reserves away to West Ham. The jokes had already been made by the daily papers, but what did Campbell have left in the tank?
The former England man is now 35 and if we can all laugh at the thought of Patrick Vieira playing for Man City, then what does Sol have to offer Arsenal?
Before last night Campbell had not kicked a ball since leaving Sven Goran Eriksson’s League Two Notts County revolution, under a cloud. That was back on the 22nd of Sept. He hasn’t graced the Premier League since last July.
11 mins: Campbell almost fashions a chance for Giles Sunu. The big defender wins a towering header that bounces to the Frenchman. – West Ham’s live text.
Campbell played 45 minutes and left the field with his defense boasting a clean sheet. Reports suggest that he looked right at home, back in the center of defense. Arsenal won the second string encounter 4-2.
“I’ve missed it and I’ve a gut feeling this is the right move. I do believe I can contribute. I really have my confidence and fitness back.” – Sol Campbell
Re-signing Campbell seems to me to be an easy move for Wenger and Arsenal, it’s unlikely he is going to start but just having him around the kids will prove invaluable. Not to mention its an extra, experienced body in the box when used as a late substitute while holding a lead. No brainer.
The Sun has a slide show of Campbell’s return, here.
Campbell is not just content with having a second chance at Arsenal, he has also stated his desire to play for England again, in South Africa… “I want to go, I want and need to be playing ahead of the World Cup,”
Now that WOULD need him to not only play 90 minutes week in, week out but to put in outstanding performances that truly turn back the clock.
Sears scored a brace – not a good sign.
@Hadley
Both pennos I believe.
@Ned – correct, you are. I don’t read the reserve reports very carefully. I just saw that Freddie had 2.