Source: Daily_Mail
Scott Brown may be axed as captain as Celtic look to Sol Campbell
Scott Brown's future as Celtic skipper was in doubt last night as Neil Lennon hinted he could offer Sol Campbell the job in his bid to lure the Arsenal defender to Parkhead.[LNB] The Scotland midfielder has already said he would love to carry on in the role but Lennon clearly considers 35-year-old Campbell to be officer material and his sales pitch on a two-year offer may have included the club captaincy.[LNB] Talks: Sol Campbell[LNB] Brown was handed the armband by Tony Mowbray after Gary Caldwell and Stephen McManus were shipped out last January and he continued as captain during the Irishman's interim period in charge.[LNB] As Lennon continues his pursuit of the experienced Campbell and Jimmy Bul lard, however, he reserved the right to make a fresh appointment of his own.[LNB] Asked directly if Brown would start the campaign as captain, he said: 'That could change over the next few weeks. I have not made a decision one way or the other.'[LNB] Celtic lacked leadership last season and either Campbell or Hull firebrand Bullard could fit the bill for Lennon - who hopes the attraction of the Old Firm will over-ride any concerns they may have about Scottish football. 'We made a strong pitch to Sol Campbell,' he said. 'It's a tougher sell now than before with a lack of money to compete against the Premiership clubs.[LNB] 'But what we do have in our advantage is the name, the stadium, the support, the history, the chance to win something and the opportunity to play in Europe.[LNB] 'Regardless of us being in Scotland, you still get a huge amount of exposure. This would be a huge challenge for Sol, as it is a different culture of football.[LNB] 'He's been quoted on his concerns about how strong we will be in Europe and I think if we get a few players in before he makes his own decision, it might turn his head.[LNB] 'But Campbell is the type I am looking for. He's a very proud man, he's had to put up with a lot going from Spurs to Arsenal.[LNB] 'He's taken a lot of abuse and come out the other side. I admire him for that. 'I've sold the club to people before and there is a magnetism about the Old Firm and Glasgow that gets overlooked.'[LNB] Midfielder Bullard, 31, is available on loan and talks are continuing even though he commands big wages.[LNB] 'We have had dialogue with Hull and I've spoken to Jimmy,' said Lennon. 'We hope in the next few days to get him up here to have a look around. There are no stumbling blocks, he's been on holiday. I'm getting positive vibes but we're not getting carried away.[LNB] 'We want players to come up and see the facilities, see the stadium and have a look around.'[LNB] Even if Campbell signs, he has said his wedding on July 17 and honeymoon would rule him out of Celtic's first Champions League qualifier.[LNB] Lennon said: 'In his mind he is having his wedding and honeymoon and that's it but we might have to talk about that. For now we just want to get him on board.'[LNB] Celtic's pursuit of Finland boss Stuart Baxter has cooled and Lennon stressed yesterday that any mentor would only be part-time.[LNB] 'A more senior figure is not going to be standing over my shoulder every day,' he said. 'It would be up to me if I want to act on the advice offered. But Baxter is still a candidate.'[LNB] Meanwhile, Lennon yesterday signed Charlie Mulgrew on a three-year deal while fellow full-back, South Korean star Cha Du Ri, was completing a medical last night. Zheng Zhi has been released and reserveteam coach Willie McStay has fallen victim to backroom changes with Johan Mjallby joining Alan Thompson on the staff. [LNB] [LNB]
