England international Sol Campbell signs five-year deal with Notts County

While AFR wasn’t sure whether this should go in our ‘Latest News’ section or our ‘Outside the Box’ section, the fact that Sol Campbell has signed for League Two outfit Notts County is truly astounding.

Campbell was a free agent after leaving Portsmouth, and the 34-year-old is set to end his career with Notts County after signing a five-year contract.

Campbell has 73 caps for England and he will play, once again, under Sven-Goran Eriksson, the new director of football for the Magpies.

Sol revealed, “Sven played a big role. He’s a great man. He’s managed all over the world and he knows his football, he’s a proper guy. He’s seen the future. It’s a challenge but I think everyone connected to the club are prepared for that challenge. It’s refreshing.”

The former Arsenal and Tottenham man also said, “This club club have got great ambition and I want to be a part of it.”

“There were offers from the Premier League, but that would have been short-term. I’m thinking of the future.

“This is the oldest club in the world with a fantastic heritage.”

Sol Campbell’s former manager, Arsenal man Arsene Wenger, admitted he was surprised by the player’s decision to drop down three divisions and suggested that Sol may find it difficult to cope with the drastic adjustments.

“In May, did you expect Sol to go to Notts County? Certainly not. Time will show if it is a good move for him… On 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,” said the Frenchman.

Harry Redknapp also had his say by stating, “In my opinion he’s still in the top six central defenders in the Premier League so for Notts County to get him in that division is incredible.”

Incredible is a good way to describe this Notts County revolution. The club have shown their intent to sign former Man City keeper Kasper Schmeichel.