We are waiting for the announcement from Newcastle that Sol Campbell has joined the club, after only yesterday returning from his honeymoon.
Sol Campbell – first team football a big draw
It seems that the promise of first team football, and the fact his wife Fiona Barratt is a Newcastle fans were two big factors in Newcastle’s favor over other suitors such as Celtic, Arsenal and Sunderland.
The Journal is reporting the 35 year-old was having a medical at the club last night, so if all is OK with that, we expect an announcement any time this morning.
While we though the contract would be a two year deal it’s for 12 months, and of course if Sol does well next season, there’s no reason why an extension to that, cannot quickly be negotiated.
Campbell is no longer a world-class player, but with his savvy and experience he will be a dominant central figure in Newcastle’s defense next season – and we need players of Sol’s vast experience for our re-entry to the PL – that’s for sure.
His performances for Arsenal earlier this year were eye opening, and he looked very good and comfortable at the highest level for Arsenal in their European Champions League campaign.
Indeed Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was disappointed that he has chosen Newcastle over the top London side.
There were reports in London early last week that he would again sign for Arsenal, but the reports on the day after his wedding – that  he was ready to sign for Newcastle when he returned from his honeymoon, proved accurate, even though we didn’t believe them. 😀
Kevin Nolan has still not been named captain and there are rumors that Sol may have been offered the captaincy to further entice him to Newcastle, but the Newcastle Journal is saying that is not true.
Well we should know all fairly shortly.
Comments welcome.
18 comments so far
Gash
Jul 28, 2010 at 10:12 AM
Comment #1While we are out trawling for good free transfers and loan deals…. and this is a good deal from his experience factor alone…..why dont we go for someone like Gudjohnsen from Monaco who loaned him out last season to Spurs. He would work well with Big Andy and the other forwards and is also a very experienced player in the premier league…any thoughts.
howay man
Jul 28, 2010 at 10:13 AM
Comment #2none of our signings have been impressive or exciting but they are signings that wll get the job done I reckon.
patrick van annholt 1-2 million
vladimmir weiss loan with option to buy
hatem ben arfa loan with option to buy
perfect!
coopertoon
Jul 28, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Comment #3Hes a sol man
RichK
Jul 28, 2010 at 10:47 AM
Comment #4It’s now been confirmed, it’s on the official website, as expected he’s got the number 5 shirt. Good signing, look forward to see him appear against PSV maybe? Well done CH.
Chris F
Jul 28, 2010 at 11:07 AM
Comment #5howay man, howay man – chelsea will want more than that for van Aanholt.
John
Jul 28, 2010 at 11:18 AM
Comment #6See we missed out on de guzman went to real malloca of all paces their over the moon saying “He is a young footballer who is technically gifted, versatile, capable of adapting to any position in midfield and he gets into good finishing positions,” didnt cost a penny either caught knapping as usaul well done MA CH whoever.
NUFC_Richyg01
Jul 28, 2010 at 11:36 AM
Comment #7There is no way Chelsea will sell Van Aanholt, he is a class act, he will soon outs A.Cole from the team.
They may loan him out for a season though, and that would be good for us if we can get him because he was brilliant for us when he came in before.
The only problem I can see is that Chelsea will put similar demands on us as Manure did with Cleverley, that he must play first team football, and, unless Enrique is Injured, he will only be backup.
NUFC_Richyg01
Jul 28, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Comment #8@ John (6)
Did you ever believe we were after De Guzman?
We have been linked with loads of players, but our new policy is that we dont talk about it till the deal is done, and, with Campbell, CH has shown that if a deal is not going ahead he will say so, if it is, he will be cagey.
Doha Mag
Jul 28, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Comment #9Decent signing with vast PL experience; will be good for the team and the younger, next generation of Newcastle defenders, especially Steven Taylor.
Come on Steve, this guy can hopefully make you an international player, but you need to sign a contract extension this summer or risk being sold
Sol could be the next captain; it’s between him and Nolan!
NUFC_Richyg01
Jul 28, 2010 at 11:39 AM
Comment #10@ Rich K (4)
I cant see him featuring against PSV, he is weeks behind the other lads in training and fitness.
Steve_48
Jul 28, 2010 at 11:39 AM
Comment #11I can go either way on this one
1 – good signing, decent player, not as fast but can read the game well which often delivers the extra yard of pace. Arsenal’s back line was always solid when he featured. Our players could learn a lot from his experience and tuition.
2. repeating mistakes of old – let’s sign a journeyman player coming to the end of his playing career, let’s be an easy soft touch, on the basis he’s just married a local lass, living locally, and so looks for a local team. We’re just repeating old mistakes. Cannot help but think we have done him a favour here
3. At least he didn’t sign for mackems or smoggies
Hope I’m right about 1. and wrong about 2/3.
NUFC_Richyg01
Jul 28, 2010 at 11:40 AM
Comment #12Doha Mag
I agree, Sol will be captain and Nolan Backup.
Like you say, Steven Taylor HAS TO learn from Campbell, there are so many areas of Taylor’s game missing and he can get them all from Sol.
Toon_Ksk
Jul 28, 2010 at 11:43 AM
Comment #13I think this also confirms the fact that the club has no money.
NUFC_Richyg01
Jul 28, 2010 at 11:43 AM
Comment #14@ Steve_48 (11)
I cant see it being 2. since he turned down a big pay cheque with a foreign club.
I can only see it being 1. he is a model professional (Notts. County aside)
Besides, if he dont perform he will get some proper ear-ache at home from his missus and the in-laws!
NUFC_Richyg01
Jul 28, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Comment #15@ Toon_Ksk
Why spend money on a defender when you can get Sol for free??
toondonjuan
Jul 28, 2010 at 12:26 PM
Comment #16I think too many people see trhis as a negative and criticise those who see this as a posative.
We need defensive cover, Sol played for Arsenal 15 times last season and is free, we do not have the money to throw at big name signings. Add all of those together and signing Sol Campbell seems like good business to me.
If we can put together a side on a shoe-string that can finish mid table then it will help us financially, then maybe next season we will see a few 5m to 10m signings.
I think everyone should look at this as “glass half full”
NUFC_Richyg01
Jul 28, 2010 at 12:46 PM
Comment #17@ toondonjuan (16)
EXACTLY!
jaw4life
Jul 28, 2010 at 1:00 PM
Comment #18any team with the slightest bit of pace….is going to have fun with campbell and collo at the back