SOL STARTING AT THE BOTTOM FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME, THE BUZZ

SOL CAMPBELL does not respond with figures but finds a question about how much he might be getting paid at Macclesfield Town hilarious.

Genuinely hilarious.

“I don’t want to talk about that,” he says, stifling his guffaws. “But it REALLY is all about the football.”

His emphasis not mine. Unsubstantiated tales doing the rounds in lower-league boardrooms suggest one or two managers are working for expenses and bonuses only, such is the desperate scramble to get on the ladder. There is no suggestion that is the case with Campbell, even though he once said he would consider working for free, but it goes without saying his first, annual pay packet is likely to be less than his last weekly one as a player. In fact, it is certain to be less. Taking on the challenge at the Moss Rose Stadium is purely about Campbell, after six years of being available for jobs and after at least a dozen knockbacks, proving a point.

Proving clubs who have not bothered interviewing him have made a mistake.

And proving black managers should be given more opportunities in the professional game. As he was formally introduced as the eighth Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic manager in the four professional leagues, Campbell was not keen to expand on the problem but clearly hopes his appointment can be a small step towards change.

Asked if BAME candidates were at a disadvantage, he said:

“I’m not going to state the obvious. I’ve an opportunity and you want the situation to become normal where you don’t start seeing black and white, you see a football manager.” And never mind reminding Macclesfield of his class as a player, Campbell is convinced he has the qualities it takes to be a top-level manager. He explained: “I haven’t played at this level but I’m am a good thinker and I will look at all levels and all situations. I pick up what I need