Sol Campbell leaves Arsenal for Newcastle United

by Ted Harwood on Jul 28, 2010 10:26 AM EDT

Sol Campbell has joined Newcastle United on a one-year contract, the official Arsenal website confirmed today. He played 14 games in all competitions last year in a bit of a renaissance for the former Invincibles defender. In an interview with Newcastle's official site, Campbell says, "At this stage of my career, I couldn't have wished for a better move...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."

Campbell's departure leaves Arsenal even thinner at the back, of course, with the only senior central defenders sure to be around at the start of the year Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Johan Djourou, and possibly Håvard Nordtveit. Arsène Wenger seems almost certain to sign another center half; to not do so at this stage would be incredibly risky, to state the obvious.

Best of luck to Big Sol on his journey north (although here's hoping Arsenal still stuffs Newcastle this year).

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I still remember the day he signed for Arsenal

I was at a bbq, and one of my friends, who for some ridiculous reason supports Spurs, walked in to the party a bit later. He sees me across the room and all he does is glare at me and flip me off. With both hands. I laughed for about 10 minutes. I hope he does well at Newcastle.

by pdb on Jul 28, 2010 11:57 AM EDT reply actions

I am kinda glad he signed with Newcastle. This ensures Wenger MUST sign a quality, expirenced CB. I feared he would not if Campbell came back.
Please please PLEASE sign a CB and keeper before the season starts. This is agony.

by DarrenV on Jul 28, 2010 12:20 PM EDT reply actions

If Wenger has taught Arsenal fans anything over the years

it’s that statements like “Wenger MUST sign….” pretty much ensures that he will not. For better or worse, the man has a plan, and he does not deviate.

by pdb on Jul 28, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Sometimes, that's the exact problem for Arsene, and Arsenal.

by DarrenV on Jul 28, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Thus "for better or worse"

I really wish he would see that his plan is about 90% effective, and that the last 10% has to come from somewhere else – until he does, 4th is about as high as Arsenal can expect to finish.

by pdb on Jul 28, 2010 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Could that 10% be a David Dein factor? Ever since he left Wenger has seemed to be missing something.

They worked so well together. Nothing against Ivan Gazidis, he seems to be doing a pretty good job, but Wenger and Dein were pretty successful partnership.

by Scrupio on Jul 28, 2010 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Well,

at least Arsenal matches won’t lack for goals this year. 5-4 is exciting and all, but yes, please Arsene, more defenders and a high quality keeper. With sugar on top.

"Seriously, baby, I can prescribe anything I want!" -Nicholas Rivera, MD, HUMC graduate

by HoodRiverDuck on Jul 28, 2010 12:51 PM EDT reply actions

Our depth at CB is woefully thin, Wenger has to recognize this after last years problems

But dear God Arsene is taking his sweet time bringing players in. Makes me worried that he might not get anyone else. Our first match isn’t that far away…

by Scrupio on Jul 28, 2010 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Ouch

Sol Campbell was the only real veteran we had to pair up with Vermaelen at CB. Always loved the guy even after his switch to Tottenham.

We really do need to buy up a veteran CB. Vermaelen is easily good enough to play but now that Gallas is gone we have no one ideal to pair him up with.

by Roa on Jul 31, 2010 10:52 AM EDT reply actions