The Sol Campbell Signing Thread

Gooner Jim · Post by **Gooner Jim** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 8:03 pm

could prove to be a decent signing, now wengers gone against his 'no signing former player' policy we might be able to get flamini back

If we sign Flamini, Sol and a new striker I might actually believe we could win the prem this season!

Gunnersaurus · Post by **Gunnersaurus** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 8:20 pm

It's a no lose signing in my book and if he is on only 20K a week like was reported on the radio then it is a shrewd move.

He doesn't need to play every game and is better cover then Silvestre.

afc-bob · Post by **afc-bob** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 8:22 pm

Great News

proudtosaythatname · Post by **proudtosaythatname** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 11:26 pm

I read somewhere that he's on Â£50k per week but does it mean anything anymore?

jensenscores · Post by **jensenscores** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 11:42 pm

I can only trust AW judgement on this one as the last few times I have seen Campbell play he has looked well off the pace. The media seem mixed on it, with some articles slagging him off and other premier league football writers saying it could be inspired.
I just feel it shows a lack of ambition, with more cash to spend than our rivals (City apart) now is surely the time to push on and take the initiative in the title race?

JakeN13 · Post by **JakeN13** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 1:29 am

jensenscores wrote:I can only trust AW judgement on this one as the last few times I have seen Campbell play he has looked well off the pace. The media seem mixed on it, with some slagging him off and others saying it could be inspired.
I just feel it shows a lack of ambition, with more cash to spend than our rivals (City apart) now is surely the time to push on and take the initiative in the title race?

All we need is a cover for Gallas & Vermalen. To bring somebody in that's gonna push them for a place in the team (unless either of them drop in form) is just gonna unstettle the team at the moment. Sol's perfect for this season, and by next hopefully we get Djouru back. We also have the Norweign kid Wenger probably gonna want to give a few games next season.

Percy Dalton · Post by **Percy Dalton** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:17 am

I have no problem with this but I do query peoples logic who say "it's ok as he is only cover blah blah blah"!

People are only looking at this in one way, that Gallas or Tommy might only pick up a minor injury that forces them off at half time or means they miss one or two games tops.

My concern is should either of our regular duo pick a serious injury after the transfer window closes then this could mean Sol being thrust into action for the remainder of the season. Would you stilll feel so comfortable then?

While I can understand the logic of what Wenger has done it is also carries huge risk.

If Sol at present can only manage half a game in a reserve team outing then he is fucking miles away from 90 minutes in the Premiership or god forbid an extra 30 minutes on top in a cup game.

I wonder how ecstatic most Arsenal supporters would have been if we had signed any other unfit 35 year old centre half who hadn't played for Arsenal previously?

Would Sami Hypia be greeted so enthusiatically?

ramon · Post by **ramon** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:21 am

The grass aint always greener folks â€“ TAKE A NOTE MERIDA:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/ ... 987065.ece

Exiled-Gooner · Post by **Exiled-Gooner** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:52 am

Yes,for experience RE-SIGNING Campbell is probably a good move but the point Percy Dalton made is right.I be more comfortable if wenger brought a mid 20's player with a couple of yrs experience as back up considering this looks to be a close season.

There should be competition for all places and also some squad rotation so cut the possiblity of injuries.In the last few games Gallas has been left behind a couple of times and is worrying me and i have a feeling he might leave in the summer so buying another Vermaelen type and age would be more sensible.It would also give the player 6 months of getting use to the defence structure and a few games under his belt so being ready for next season.

Even though campbell's signed(or near as) we still need another C/B capable of coming in and playing more than a ''few'' games if Gallas or the V man get crocked.

Post by **flash gunner** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:00 pm

Percy Dalton wrote:I have no problem with this but I do query peoples logic who say "it's ok as he is only cover blah blah blah"!

People are only looking at this in one way, that Gallas or Tommy might only pick up a minor injury that forces them off at half time or means they miss one or two games tops.

My concern is should either of our regular duo pick a serious injury after the transfer window closes then this could mean Sol being thrust into action for the remainder of the season. Would you stilll feel so comfortable then?

While I can understand the logic of what Wenger has done it is also carries huge risk.

If Sol at present can only manage half a game in a reserve team outing then he is fucking miles away from 90 minutes in the Premiership or god forbid an extra 30 minutes on top in a cup game.

I wonder how ecstatic most Arsenal supporters would have been if we had signed any other unfit 35 year old centre half who hadn't played for Arsenal previously?

Would Sami Hypia be greeted so enthusiatically?

I totally agree that id rather have a younger player instead of Sol but the only flaw in the argument is you wouldnt have a player of similar ability to Vermaelen or Gallas as back up as they wouldnt be happy to sit there in that role. Im quite happy about Sol re-joining but i wonder if thats to do with Wengers lack of transfer activity over the last couple of years im almost pleased to have anyone with a bit of experience

donaldo · Post by **donaldo** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:16 pm

Exiled-Gooner wrote:
Even though campbell's signed(or near as) we still need another C/B capable of coming in and playing more than a ''few'' games if Gallas or the V man get crocked.

you're right EG

But that was the situation last summer when the only back up was an out of favour Senderos and Tweety.Its been a miracle that both Gallas and TV have not been out for any period of time

However good Sol has looked in training we will only find out if he can still cut it in a real match.God help us though if TV or Gallas are out of the Chelsea game

Percy Dalton · Post by **Percy Dalton** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:21 pm

Flash, I agree with you that it would be difficult to have a third centre-half of the same quality/talent sitting on the bench.

However, I am talking about physical fitness. Sol is a mile away from being match fit. Marking Freddie Sears and some other kid in a reserve match for 45 minutes before coming off panting is an age away from playing 2 games a week in the Premiership, CL and the FA Cup possibly.

I cannot see Sol being properly fit before Feb and that being the case we will still be in shit streak should Willy or Thomas get injured. He hasn't played a top flight game in 8 months and to throw him in for any length of time will be quite scarey.

Does anyone really fancy Sol playing say 10 matches on the trot for us?

donaldo · Post by **donaldo** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:25 pm

Percy Dalton wrote:
Does anyone really fancy Sol playing say 10 matches on the trot for us?

Yes, someone called Arsene Wenger

Percy Dalton · Post by **Percy Dalton** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:27 pm

I would sincerely hope he doesn't!

the playing mantis · Post by **the playing mantis** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 2:31 pm

the point is if he hadnt signed sol, we all know he wouldnt have spent money in january on another cb, so hes better than nothing