Source: Northern_Echo
Campbell to shore up Newcastle’s defence
SOL CAMPBELL'S confirmation as a Newcastle player yesterday brought a commanding presence to the Magpies back four that manager Chris Hughton hopes can help cement the club's place in the Premier League.[LNB] But the one-year deal flies in face of Newcastle's transfer policy that seeks to recruit players under 26-years of age with the best years of their career ahead of them and capable of generating resale value.[LNB] The former Arsenal and Portsmouth defender, who is set to become the oldest Magpies player ever to feature in the Premier League, failed on all of those criteria but Hughton and owner Mike Ashley were willing to overlook their recruitment guidelines to sign someone of Campbell's pedigree.[LNB] Following last week's capture of Dan Gosling, a 20-yearold who epitomises the type of budding young talent on which the club are keen to build their future, Campbell needs to make only four more top-flight appearances to break through the 500-game barrier.[LNB] Gosling was only two-yearsold when Campbell made his league debut for Tottenham and the centre-back's longstanding links with former Spurs pair Hughton and Colin Calderwood has been a key factor in his decision to make the move to St James' Park.[LNB] The 35-year-old said: I have known Chris for a long time. I know they have been tracking me for a long time and obviously it didn't work out before but now the time is right.[LNB] Chris will focus everyone together and get the team ready for the season, it's nice seeing Colin too having played with him at Tottenham.[LNB] At this stage of my career I couldn't have wished for a better move. To join a club such as Newcastle United, with its proud tradition, heritage and magnificent support, is absolutely tremendous for me.[LNB] 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.[LNB] I just want to play and can't wait to get started.[LNB] There's a real buzz about the place and that's great. I've played at St. James' Park numerous times and always found it a fantastic place to play, there's always a tremendous atmosphere.[LNB] The club wants success and I want to be a part of that.[LNB] If you get the right players in I'm sure success will come,[LNB] he said.[LNB] Serious concerns over Steven Taylor's fitness prompted Newcastle to fend off interest from Celtic and Sunderland to land the former England international who'll wear the number five shirt.[LNB] Whether Campbell is capable of surviving the rigours of a full season remains to be seen but his know-how could prove key to shoring up a Newcastle defence whose deficiencies played a major part in their relegation 15 months ago.[LNB] Following his ill-fated onegame sojourn at Notts County last season, Campbell recaptured his fitness and form during a 14-game spell back at Arsenal. His leadership qualities both on and off the pitch are unquestionable and the likes of Mike Williamson, Tamas Kadar and Danny Simpson should prosper from his guiding hand.[LNB] And the option remains for Hughton to hand Campbell the job of leading the Magpies next season.[LNB] He wore the captain's armband for England, Spurs and Pompey and the manager admitted he was thrilled to have signed such an accomplished performer.[LNB] I've known Sol since he was a lad at Tottenham and am fully aware of what he has to offer.[LNB] That is experience, quality, calm assurance and leadership.[LNB] He's a dedicated professional, a terrific addition to the squad, and I look forward to working with him again,[LNB] said Hughton.[LNB] Ian Rush, at the age of 36 years and two months holds the record as the oldest player to feature for Newcastle in the Premier League era but Campbell will pass that landmark if he plays for the club after November.[LNB] Campbell is not expected to play against PSV Eindhoven at St James' Park on Saturday.[LNB]
