Wed 28th July - Sol Campbell for captain

[trophy4toon]

Campbell having chose Newcastle instead of offers from Arsenal, Celtic and Sunderland has accepted a 12 month contract in the region of £1.75 million a year, a reasonable salary for a player of his age and stature.

He is certainly saying all the right things too as you can see in article below.

Given his status in the game, Premier League experience and general professional attitude, it's a good signing for us and hard to argue against making him captain even if the only pictures we have of him are in an Arsenal shirt !! 

Sol Campbell targets success with Newcastle after agreeing one-year contract
The former England defender, Sol Campbell, set his sights on bringing newly-promoted Newcastle United "success" after signing a one-year contract at St James' Park.
 
By Rob Stewart
Published: 11:07AM BST 28 Jul 2010

After snubbing Arsenal, Celtic and Sunderland, Campbell expressed optimism the good times could be just around the corner for a club fresh from spending a humbling season in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League.

"The club wants success and I want to be part of that," Campbell, 35, said. "I think that if you get the right players in I am sure that success will come.

 "At this stage of my career I couldn't have wished for a better move. To join a club such as Newcastle, with its proud tradition, heritage and magnificent support, is absolutely tremendous."

The move means a re-union for Campbell with former Tottenham colleagues, Newcastle manager Chris Hughton and his No2 Colin Calderwood.

"I'd like to thank Chris Hughton for putting his faith in me and aim to repay him and the supporters by giving everything I possibly can to help re-establish this great club in the top-tier of English football," added Campbell, who won two Premier League titles with Arsenal.

"I've played at St. James' Park numerous times and always found it a fantastic place to play, there's always a tremendous atmosphere. There's a real buzz about the place and that's great."

Hughton, yet to appoint a skipper, hinted Campbell could fit the bill. "I've known Sol since he was a lad at Tottenham and am fully aware of what he has to offer - experience, quality, calm assurance and leadership," Hughton said. "He's a dedicated professional, a terrific addition to the squad."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/championship/newcastleunited/7914096/Sol-Campbell-targets-success-with-Newcastle-after-agreeing-one-year-contract.html

[Jim]

Here he is with a Newcastle shirt. I agree that he'd be an excellent captain, he's probably the best leader we've had since Rob Lee.

[mrmalaki]

He's captained Portsmouth & Arsenal (And probably Notts County) before so I don't think his experience or credentials can be questioned - the only question would be what would it do to the likes of Smith & Nolan who were vice-captains last year. For them not to get the promotion from within (that many clubs would do) it could demotivate them as they may never get that chance again at this club. On the other hand it might spur them on to act responsibly more and get it at the next opportunity.

[CraigDoyle]

It'll be great for Smith as it might mean he's on the park less. Smith not only breaks down the play of the opposition but our own play with his inability to pass the ball and his refusal to advance over the halfway line which effectively negates our attacking play. Better off with Barton in there.

[mrmalaki]

That much is true but will Hughton see that?

(also as a side note there are more pictures of Campbell over on getty:

http://bit.ly/cuCMSV )

[trophy4toon]

very good set of pictures mrmalaki.

Really like the one of a rather fat looking Sol Campbell running with a rather concerned looking Chris Hughton watching him closely.

Campbell looks like he had a good honeymoon, needs a bit more training I think before he plays in the Premier League !!