GAMBLE ON SOL COULD PAY BIG DIVIDEND
As The Independent’s England correspondent for a decade, I spoke at length to Sol Campbell several times.
He was one of the more thoughtful members of the national team, prepared to offer more than the usual soundbites.
It took a confident man to switch from Tottenham to Arsenal so controversially and a strong one to withstand the torrent of vile bile that followed.
Some of the decisions he made late in his career – and subsequently – have been illadvised. Some of his opinions maybe would be better left unsaid.
But, unlike many of his peers, he has not just relied on his reputation to get a job, instead doing the badges, all the way to gaining the UEFA Pro licence – a long and demanding path.
He has also worked with the younger players at Arsenal and as a coach with Trinidad & Tobago.
Campbell would probably benefit, in reality and perception, from time learning under a more experienced Football League manager, like Craig Bellamy has under Neil Warnock at Cardiff.
However, one senses Campbell is not a natural No.2. It is easy to say when it is not your club involved, but one hopes a chairman takes a chance on him.
It could prove an inspired choice, especially if Campbell chooses his assistants wisely. At the very least, we will find out if he can walk the walk.