Camp will fight to keep the Cats up
SHOTSTOPPER’S NO 1 PRIORITY IS TO WIN RELEGATION BATTLE
LEE Camp has gained himself a reputation as a Championship firefighter.
Just as some managers are abelled with the tag of being the man for a crisis, so the 33-year-old goalkeeper is making a habit of coming to the rescue of clubs in the relegation mire.
Having played a decisive part in keeping Nottingham Forest in the 2008-09 second tier and Rotherham United two years ago – kicked off with victory over Saturday’s visitors Brentford – he knows better than most what is required.
In a squad packed heavy with players fresh out of academies, it could be important.
“I see a better squad here, that is the first thing,” he said when asked to compare and contrast.
“I see more ability. I see a team spirit, a group which works hard on the training ground to put things right.
“I see an honest group who don’t want to be in this position.
“Everyone is pulling in the right direction, they know the task in hand.
“It is important because when you start being divides and cliques that is not good ,but I don’t see any of that here.
“I see a club and training ground all pulling in the right direction.”
It was late February 2016 when the Millers’ great escape started in earnest, winning 2-1 at home to Brentford to start an 11-match unbeaten run which took them to safety.
The Bees are at the Stadium of Light at the weekend - but Camp is hoping Sunderland’s revival has already started after they came from 3-0 down to snatch a 3-3 draw in the final 20 minutes at Bristol City.
He added: “It always seems to be the case when you go out on loan, you never seem to go to a team which is doing well.
“It is always somewhere where you’re needed or the team is struggling.
“I’ve been about and experienced enough to know that it is not over until it is over, one result doesn’t decide anything.
“It is a case of being consistent and getting results.
“Hopefully, the second half at Bristol will prove a turning point and instil confidence in the lads, including those still settling it.
“There are enough games left (15) and enough winnable games within those fixtures. Time is of the essence, we want to get the points soon.
“You don’t want to be going down to the wire, get the job done as soon as possible.”
Camp went on: “When (manager Neil) Warnock came in at Rotherham, it was not all plain sailing at first - we lost two away from home and did not look great.
“It takes a bit of time to work through the long grass and then you get a win - we beat Brentford 2-1. were battered but salvaged a win.
“Then it changes morale, a win makes a big difference. Get that win and you are off to the races.
“It was around this time with Rotherham we went 11 games unbeaten and then we were safe.
“It is not all lost. It is very tight, a couple of wins changes everything.”
Camp is buzzing at the thought of playing football again, having not made an appearance in 2017.
He has joined on loan from Cardiff City to have an impact, not make up the numbers.
He said: “I had not played and been unfortunate with a couple of injuries this season which had halted my rehabilitation back to first-team football.
“I am not here to hide behind anything, I am here to perform, to do a job. First and foremost I am here to play games, the rest will take care of itself.”
Camp’s experience could be crucial in a squad light on it.
“You don’t get the experience with younger players,” he stresses, sharing a dressing room as he does with Tyias Browning, Jake Clarke-Salter, Ethan Robson, Ovie Ejaria, George Honeyman, Joel Asoro, Josh Maja and Ashley Fletcher, ”I have experienced these situations, probably more than I would have liked to.”