Source: Daily_Mail
Sol Campbell joins Eriksson as Notts County's blockbuster signing
Former England international Sol Campbell has been unveiled at Notts County as the Sven Goran Eriksson revolution goes into overdrive.
Not content with appointing ex-Three Lions boss Eriksson as their director of football, the League Two side have now sensationally lured Campbell to Meadow Lane.
Campbell has spurned the chance to stay in the Barclays Premier League to drop down three divisions.
Sol Campbell
Incredible: Sol Campbell is paraded by Notts County
The former Arsenal and Tottenham centre-back has signed a five-year contract - worth around £60,000 a week - and joins on a free transfer after his deal at Portsmouth expired in the summer.
Campbell, who turns 35 next month, will also have coaching duties with County but he expects to continue playing for at least three more seasons.
'I'm here because of the future,' he said at a press conference. 'They've got great ambition and I want to be part of it.
'If we win promotions it is possible that I will play in the Premier League again. I am confident that something special is being created at the club which will yield a club and a team able to match the ambitions of the new owners, management and proud fans.
Campbell with Notts County boss Ian McParland
Bright future: Campbell with Notts County boss Ian McParland
'It's a challenge but I think everyone connected with the club is prepared for that. And what a fantastic dream to have to keep winning promotions and get Notts County back into the Premier League.
'I want to be a part of that and I am genuinely excited by what the club is trying to achieve. A few Premier League teams wanted me but I am looking to the future. The offers in the Premier League were more short-term.
'And it's not about money. I wasn't offered more money really. I have been guaranteed that the club is going to move forward and I believe that all the people behind this, from the manager to the hierarchy, will make that an achievable aim.
Campbell
Pals: Campbell has worked with Eriksson before
'I'm looking more towards the future now. Career-wise this sits perfect with where I am in my life in football.'
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who signed Campbell from arch rivals Spurs, has expressed his shock at the move.
'It was a surprise because of the level Notts County play at,' he said. 'That shows you how much financial potential Notts County have suddenly.
'In May, did you expect Sol to go to Notts County? Certainly not. Time will show if it’s a good move for him. It depends what is in his mind, if it is purely a football move or if it is a long-term move and he wants to be involved afterwards as a coach.
'Maybe it can be a good decision if he wants to build something in the long term. In the short term, he will suffer a bit because he is used to top-level football. When you move down, it is always difficult to cope mentally.'
Magpies manager Ian McParland said: 'Sol's record speaks for itself and he's achieved just about everything in the game.
'He's a great player and a great organiser and his experience will be invaluable to our push for promotion this season.
'We are very happy that he has taken on the challenge and we are looking forward to getting him settled into the team and seeing him pull on a Notts County shirt as soon as possible.'
