Sol’s job at Arsenal was done
33 comments July 28th, 2010
So Sol Campbell has opted to turn down Arsenal’s offer and sign for Newcastle United. It seems there are two factors that swung things in Newcastle’s favour: the offer of first-team football, and the location – Campbell and his new wife have a home in the North-East.
I was clear about my desire for Sol to stay at Arsenal. His 14 appearances last season contained more guts, determination and spirit than some of the current squad members have ever shown. I never thought he could be a regular season, but the odd fleeting appearance and his mere presence on the training ground could have set a tremendous example.
Sol will feel, however, that his job at Arsenal was done. After leaving under something of a cloud, he foughtback out of his League Two nightmare all the way to the Champions League. Along the way, he went on a journey of personal retribution, as well as winning the respect and admiration of Arsenal fans once more. Sol saved his legacy. And staying on to become an ageing bit-part player may have threatened that.
Campbell’s departure means there can be no two ways about it: Arsene simply has to buy a centre-half. The ‘Defenders’ section on our squad page is giving Portsmouth a run for their money (excuse the inappropriate idiom).
Arsenal took on SC Neusiedl 1919 yesterday, and ran-out 4-0 winners. I must confess I only caught glimpses of the first half, but Wilshere and Frimpong reportedly impressed as Marouane Chamakh scored his first Arsenal goal from the spot. You can see that, as well as other goals from Walcott, JET and Vela courtesy of 101greatgoals here.
Apologies for the lateness of today’s blog – I was out late last night celebrating, among other things, Gunnerblog’s sixth birthday. Thanks to all of you who visit and comment, and I hope you’ll continue to do so. I’m hoping to get things spruced up on the site over the coming weeks and months, so keep an eye out for any changes. If I break the site, you’ll know how/why.
