Sol-mania it wasn’t but Campbell’s still smiling
91 Macclesfield fans see new era start with defeat at Colchester
Marmite character. One of the greatest defenders of the Premier League era and an Arsenal Invincible, his playing career also attracted controversy by leaving Spurs for their bitter rivals, once leaving a match at half-time, and ending his career at Notts County after only one game.
His self- confidence also irked many, professing himself ‘one of the greatest minds in football’ while also flirting with a career in acting or as London mayor. Supporters thought his lack of an opportunity in management was partly based on race, detractors thought he relied too much on the celebrity card.
What is undeniable is that Campbell has shown himself ready to get his hands dirty at a club with the joint smallest budget in the Football League alongside Morecambe.
His wages are no higher than other managers at his level with the promise of a bonus if he keeps Macclesfield up. He knows the financial restraints and is trying to put together a deal for former pro Jamie Lawrence to help the players’ conditioning. ‘We need to get a little bit fitter,’ he says.
Essentially, he is more likely to be calm like Arsene Wenger in the dressing room than use a Sir Alex Ferguson hairdryer.
‘You have to get your point across but the guys are often hot and bothered at half-time. You have to be precise on the things you need,’ he says. The message was clearly delivered well yesterday because Macclesfield were vastly improved in the second half. ‘Colchester are a good team at this level and they were on their knees at the end which shows they had to put in a real shift,’ he said.
Despite the league position, there looks plenty for Campbell to work with. Having won their previous two league games 1-0, their defence looked defiant once again and Manchester United loanee Kieran O’Hara did well in goal, which was just as well because Macclesfield didn’t have a keeper on the bench because of injury to Rhys Taylor.
Young Ben Stephens looks a prospect on the flanks while 38-year-old Danny Whitaker, remains a class act in midfield. While Macclesfield aren’t awash with money, they are financially stable since chairman Mark Blower arrived and saved the club from going out of business.
Asked if he would tap into his contacts book for the January transfer market, Campbell smiled. ‘I think we’ll have to. We need to be clever with loans.’
Campbell did a little hop of frustration when Kelleher missed the equalising chance but was quickly back i nto motivational mode, clapping encouragement to his £700-a-week players.
He knows there isn’t anyone like former team-mates Thierry Henry or Paul Scholes in his squad but he’s delighted they are buying into his philosophy: don’t take risks in your own half, express yourself in the opposition half. Next up are Crawley at home next Saturday.