I will become a top boss, insists Sol

SOL Campbell is confident he is the right man to lead Macclesfield to safety after taking charge of the struggling Silkmen in his first managerial role.

The 44-year-old former England, Tottenham and Arsenal defender has signed an 18-month contract to take the reins at Moss Rose.

Campbell has had to wait a long time for his chance as a manager, and the one he has got puts him in at the deep end with Macclesfield bottom of League Two, four points from safety.

But Campbell, who had a spell as assistant manager of Trinidad & Tobago and recently spent 10

Confident: Sol Campbell

days learning under England Under-21s boss Aidy Boothroyd, dismissed questions about his lack of experience.

“I know Macclesfield fans will probably think, ‘What’s going on here?’” he said.

“But you’ve got an international footballer who has been one of the best footballers in the world coming to your club. I think there’s a nice mutual balance there.”

Campbell won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups with Arsenal and Portsmouth, while being named in the All-Star team at the 2002 World Cup, but recognised he will need to “roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty” in an unfamiliar role as first-time manager.

Campbell has spoken out about the barriers for aspiring Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) coaches.

His appointment means there are now eight black managers in England’s top four divisions.

“For me, it’s all about opportunities,” he said.