I'M NOT A PRIMA DONNA
Sol Campbell exclusive
SOL CAMPBELL today insists he walked out on Sven Goran Eriksson's Notts County revolution because promises made to him were broken.
The former England defender quit the League Two club after just 29 days.
And speaking about his decision for the first time, Campbell reveals: "I knew I would be the club's first big signing but was told I would be the first of many.
"Names like Roberto Carlos and Benjani were mentioned. But nothing materialised.
"And you know when people have money because things happen quickly.
"The only thing I'm guilty of is taking people at their word."
The centre-half was back in his native London enjoying the weekend sunshine in the garden of his luxurious Chelsea home, calmly taking stock after his shock exit from Meadow Lane.
Campbell, 35, has stunned the football world by leaving Sven Goran Eriksson's League Two side "by mutual consent" on Tuesday after playing in just one match - an away defeat at Morecambe last week.
But he insists he has a clear conscience over quitting so quickly.
Campbell emphasised: "The only thing I'm guilty of is taking people at their word and giving people the benefit of the doubt.
"So I'm not embarrassed, not hurt or humbled or anything like that - I am just disappointed.
"I bought into a dream and I wanted to make that dream a reality. But it took me less than a month to realise that it was all heading to a different conclusion."
It all seemed so exciting for Campbell when he agreed a five-year deal at Meadow Lane last month, signing on to an ambitious project to lift lowly County from the basement division to the Premier League.
He had high hopes, having been swayed by big promises.
"I knew I would be the club's first big signing but was told I would be the first of many. Names like Roberto Carlos and Benjani were mentioned - now that would have been a statement of intent. But, for whatever reason, it didn't happen. And all I will say is that you know when people have money because things happen and they happen quickly.
"Let's leave it at that. I don't want to say too much. I'm going to remain dignified. I'm not interested in this becoming a slanging match.
"They can say what they want about me but I have got nothing against County.
"It is a good club and there are some good people working there, really good people
"The players are a good bunch of lads and the supporters were terrific to me. I have nothing bad to say about them."
Even the bitter claim by Eriksson (far right) that Campbell had let him down did not bring a reaction.
"I can understand Sven saying that, of course I can. But I'm convinced there's still a lot to come out about all of this."
The former Tottenham, Arsenal and Portsmouth star also scoffed at reports that he couldn't cope with life in League Two and was dismayed by the dramatic drop in standards on and off the pitch. He said: "That's nonsense. I'm not a prima donna.
"I'm from Stratford, East London. I can get down and dirty. I just roll my sleeves up and get on with it.
"Let's be honest - I knew the standard of football was going to be dramatically different from the Premier League.
"And as for the trip to Morecambeż the facilities at Morecambe, they weren't actually that bad. I've seen worse.
"Remember, I used to be at Portsmouth - have you seen Fratton Park? Have you been to the training ground?
"OK, the Morecambe fans gave me a load of stick but I've grown used to that.
"Their manager was really good about it. He apologised over it and said he'd complain to the supporters' club about the treatment I got. That was decent of him but I'm not that precious!"
Campbell is adamant his sudden departure, which came less than a month after his free transfer move to the Midlands, was not football related.
But he will not be specific about the reasons he decided to walk away - not yet, anyway.
He said: "I just want to move on". But that could be easier said than done.
The transfer window does not re-open until January, which means Campbell could be kicking his heels for more than three months. But he believes his return to action will be sooner than most expect.
"We will just have to wait and see who comes in for me now but I don't think I will have to wait until January. I'm talking to people now to try to solve that."
That's because if Campbell can show "just cause" for walking out on County, he could return to playing straight away.
And he was clearly expecting a call for he had two mobile phones in his hand.
He added: "I want to be back playing as soon as possible. There's one or two loose things to tie up with County and then I can close the door on this episode.
"I wish them well. I hope things work out for them. It's a shame because every day there's something else coming out in the newspapers and who knows what will be revealed next.
"But I'm just looking forward, not back. And I can't wait to find a new club and to get out playing again."
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This article has 22 comments
try getting odds from the bookies for county going down this season,they have been slashed from 250/1 down to nearly nothing,why because of things goings off behind the scenes,points deductions,certain activities that cant be mentioned here.Wait till it hits the headlines.
By wally.. Posted September 27 2009 at 10:51 PM.
DID NOT NEED SOL ANYWAY GLAD HE AS GONE TO MUCH MONEY FOR A OLD ASBEEN FOOTBALLER BUT WISH HIM ALL THE BEST THANKS FOR NOTHING MR S CAMPBELL
By martyn malone NOTTS.. Posted September 27 2009 at 5:10 PM.
Misled. Hmmm. Ask a few thousand Spurs fans what being misled (by someone they revered) means.
Should've stayed at AFC, where the scum belong.
(PS. Like the choice of word "precious". I shan't go any further, in case it hurts too much....!).
By Campbell.. Posted September 27 2009 at 5:05 PM.
So Sammy apologised to Sol Campbell for the actions of Morecambe fans. Bearing in mind that Sol got no abuse, apart from being laughed at, he must have complained - primadonna. As we don't have a club run supporters club then Sammy couldn't have suggested he'd report things to it. So something isn't right.
Perhaps Sammy did apologise and Sol misheard it. What he should have apologised for was Phil Jevons dumping him on his rear twice; Michael Twiss skinning him twice; for Jim Bentley beating him to a far post header for the opening goal; and for Morecambe players for having the temerity to show Sol up for the unfit, egotistical and frankly overpaid player he was on the day.
Finally I do hope Sol apologised for the ridiculously late tackle on Manny Panther, which broke his foot. Any other player would definitely have got a card, and quite a few a red one. The fact you got off scot-free shows Sol had a lot of people looking after him that day. Most of whom he's turned round to and stuck two fingers up at.
League 2 and Morecambe made Sol Campbell realise that he couldn't stroll around and get £40K and loads of plaudits.
By Mike Gibson.. Posted September 27 2009 at 3:16 PM.
Sol,I am sure that David Beckham must have felt the same as you when he arrived at the Home Depot Centre and saw how truely awful LA Galaxy were but at least he has stuck with it! Maybe you should have considered doing the same instead of bhaving like a victorian woman with the vapours!
By Rita Cocking.. Posted September 27 2009 at 1:54 PM.
I met Sol on the day he signed for Notts, shook his hand, and told him how good it was to see him at the club.
Although he is a great player with a wealth of experience I think he is a little naive, and a little arrogant, to think that signings such as Benjani and Roberto Carlos would guarantee promotion from League 2. I would choose Lee Hughes over Benjani and Jamie Clapham over Roberto Carlos any day of the week for the pure fact that they have quality, knowledge and experience of playing in all the leagues.
I actually thought I would have to wait a little longer to see Sol pull on a Notts shirt because our defence has not been that bad this season. I believe that Mike Edwards was unlucky to lose his place for that game.
Though excited by the prospect of you passing on your experience to our youth team, I believe you have made the right decision in leaving. It was too soon for Notts to sign a player of your stature in the game but don't think for a minute that You, Roberto and Benjani would have made the difference to Notts gaining promotion.
Sorry Sol but Notts don't need a Premier League team to get out of League 2. They need a squad of determined players with quality and experience suited to lower league football. These players also need a commitment to earning their shirt and seeing Notts County succeed.
Now I believe Notts County have that squad.
By Mulls.. Posted September 27 2009 at 1:39 PM.
I get more stick off my mates after playing football than Sol got at Morecambe. I didnt hear anything bad shouted at him, a couple of boo's if that.
By Andy.. Posted September 27 2009 at 12:47 PM.
Not nice being lied to and misled is it Sol. As a Spurs fan I know that feeling...
By Lee.. Posted September 27 2009 at 11:34 AM.
He's a bit of a mug! You get out of League 2 by buying League 1 quality, you get out of League 1 by buying Championship quality etc. You're never going to get Premiership players at a club 3 tiers beneath their level because footballers are not THAT addicted to money that common sense flies out of the window.
By Rob Myatt.. Posted September 27 2009 at 10:47 AM.
The biggest, greediest scumbag ever to be associated with the game.
By Nick.. Posted September 27 2009 at 9:59 AM.
im a utd season ticket holder. sol could have waited till January transfer window then told all . but no..... the smaller clubs don't deserve this .... sol your a Muppet..
By dennis neale.. Posted September 27 2009 at 9:57 AM.
Come up to NEWCASTLE Sol and play with stevie t and we will defo be back in prem next season.
By Dave Armstrong.. Posted September 27 2009 at 9:56 AM.
What an idiot. Sol is a total muppet and he has to except he has let a lot of people down. The progress at Notts County will take years but he expected it in 5 mins. I bet County are relieved he has gone....
By Sean, Derby.. Posted September 27 2009 at 9:44 AM.
Bristol City needs another defender, after yesterday's defeat, I'm sure Johnson would look at options elsewhere, if we don't shut up shop soon
By Ray .. Posted September 27 2009 at 9:30 AM.
Just like you gave Spurs fans your word that you'd stay!!! whay goes round....
By Nick .. Posted September 27 2009 at 9:26 AM.
You hadn't even made your home debut yourself, give them chance they are in league 2 they do not need players of that calibur yet.
By Craig.. Posted September 27 2009 at 8:55 AM.
Soime laugh at Sols comments but City now have Tevez, Robhinio, Adepaymemore, Toure & not mentioning the fact the went for a rather sensible Kaka (who declined).
Stranger things have happened in football & being sold a dummy via promises of cash injections that don't materialise is nothing new. Sol probably made the right decision in the end but perhaps was a tad hopeful that what is said is always followed through.
By Street.. Posted September 27 2009 at 9:18 AM.
Sol slates the facilities at Pompey but he did not moan about the £50k pw pay packet! Its because of players like Sol that Pompey are in financial ruin now. If players continue to act like this it will ruin the beautiful game...still why should Sol worry about that, he has made his millions!!
A great player but no commitment to anyone but himself.
By PS.. Posted September 27 2009 at 9:10 AM.
There's a thing called a transfer window!!! Muppet
By Christopher .. Posted September 27 2009 at 7:36 AM.
If you're not that precious, why did you complain about the Spurs fans?
By PG.. Posted September 27 2009 at 3:11 AM.
should of signed for villa when he had the chance
By stu.. Posted September 27 2009 at 2:55 AM.
Roberto Carlos at Notts County HAHAHAHA. What next Ronaldo (Brazillan)?
By Matt.. Posted September 26 2009 at 11:33 PM.