We’ve Got Sol But Not A Soldier
Have we got our Sol back?
Well the speculation started in late December – Arsene Wenger could very well do something he has never done before and re-sign a player he let leave. Better yet, re-sign a player who left and was well over the age bracket most Arsenal players fall into.
But this past Tuesday with all a twitter abuzz the Daily Mail (and a very eager Arsenal employee) announced to the world that Sol Campbell – Arsenal’s 15th greatest player – was set to feature in the Tuesday night reserve match against West Ham. It was an audition of sorts.
Well by all indications Sol Campbell has returned to North London fold. Arsene Wenger does something shocking to most fans. And in the end whether he can still play as dominating as he once did he brings to the club a tie-in to one of the club’s greatest eras of football. He brings leadership and a keen idea on what it takes to win at the highest level of football. Finally, he can act as a player coach and work to bring younger Arsenal players along.
Sol Campbell’s recent story is not unknown. After leaving Pompey at the end of last season he astonishingly signed a contract with League 2 side Notts County and after one match suddenly departed – claiming that what he was promised was not what he saw going on. Then on 22 September he walked out on the club and his contract voided by mutual consent.
After the sudden departure Sol asked Arsene Wenger if he could work out with the first team to try and keep fit in hopes of signing with a club in January. During his time with the first team, Arsene must have been impressed with what he saw from the old warrior. Arsene made comments about surprised he was at Sol’s fitness and prior to January came out and said he was sure Sol would get signed by a Premier League club. By all indications Hull and Newcastle United had inquired about his services. But something had to have been up with Arsenal as Sol laid off those early suitors and stayed training with Arsenal.
I believe that Arsene was so impressed with Sol’s training regimine that he decided to bring him back as early as December. All the indications were there. The subtle praise, etc.
Now you may ask why not Vierra -surely he is a better player than Sol. In his heyday Paddy was a super Arsenal star – no doubt about it. his tussles in the midfield are legendary. He was the heart of the club at that time. But when you look at a central midfielder vs a central defender – it is all about the legs. Arsene clearly thinks (and so do a lot of others) that Paddy’s legs are gone. If he didn’t he would’ve brought him in the summer. Even as a backup to our current midfield the required running he has to put in, Arsene likely thinks is behind him. The central defender role while he does have to run doesn’t not have to cover nearly as much of the pitch as a midfielder would.
Sol is still a tree and likely to hard to move. I can see him getting in to games where we are up 2-0, 2-1 and we are backing up the bus so to speak (if that is ever possible for Arsenal to do). He also adds height to the set piece play – who can ever forget his opening goal in the CL final from an Henry free kick. Also, and I know that Didier Drogba is younger and faster but did you know that he has never scored on Sol Campbell while Sol was in an Arsenal shirt? Now that could be because there was very little cross over in their tenures. I’m just saying.
I am not going to bother you with a history of Sol’s time at the club. We’re all aware of how instrumental he was in that invincible season and how good he was with Kolo Toure. Sure he left under a cloud but in listening to him recently he has sounded regretful for that and he is at least saying all the right things you’d want from a senior team player.
In Other News:
- Looks like Cesc is back for the Bolton match this Sunday. He says his hamstring is 100% and that while the team had its Bolton game cancelled he has been rehabbing and feels pretty good. Thank goodness for his return. We all know how good this squad is with its own Personal Jesus (I am going for a song theme today)
- With the signing of Campbell, surely Senderos is on his way out. He wants out. He hasn’t played and he wants to play ahead of the WC. Its only a matter of time.
- The deal I’d like to see – swap Senderos for Saha from Everton. Saha is having contract issues and they are at an impasse so much so that the player is unmotivated. He is a decent size – 6′ 1″ and isn’t cup tied. And he has 10 goals in 17 appearances for Everton so far. And hey they need the defensive help.
- Jack Wilshere is going out on loan. To whom remains to be seen. He’d like to go to West Ham the team he followed as a kid (2 years ago – HA). Steve McClaren has asked about him coming to FC Twente and Owen Coyle who had wanted him at Burnley now wants him to go Bolton.
- I think Jay Emmanuel Thomas needs to get some runs out with the first team. Just saying a hat trick even in a reserve match gets the ears pricked up.
- It’s January 14th and we still don’t have a striker. Like you needed reminding of that.
- Clichy is soon to come back to the club (Another week or so), Nicky B is a fortnight away to returning and Gibbs’ return looks to be moved up a month.
- If you believe anything the press writes then apparently one of Arsene’s top targets, Marouane Chamakh is set to sign with Liverpool this summer. Apparently a £25 million deal has been agreed upon in principle. I am saying it now – it will not last. Let’s see – Pool who look like they will not make Champion’s League next year, who are in debt to the hilt and have absolutely no money and are likely to be sellers not buyers come summer – have that much to spend, I doubt it. Plus once Chamakh sees they are no longer in the CL he will run to the next team that wants him.
Okay that’s it for now. Match Preview will be up on Saturday. I will try and be in Gameday Chat on Saturday but I am going to be spending some time with the kids ahead of me time during Sunday’s match. This post was also to make sure you lot didn’t start bitching about having scroll down to read the replies.
Finally –
Q: What do you get when Chelsea don’t win the EPL title this season?
A: 40,000 more Arsenal fans.
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Well, we should now wait for DAG to do his write up on the Bolton match.
This will allow us a wholesome debate on:
– the final score (0 – 6, Arsenal – a welcome to Bolton reception for the new manager)
– our preferred line ups
– criticize other’s selections
– reason’s offered why no January signings for a striker
– because of this, reasons why we are doomed to win nothing
– discuss Sol Campbell (hey, just like a new signing)
– who will score first (Rosicky)
Go Gunners……
btw stag, it’s now half way of January window, has Man Utd spent any BIG MONEY on any BIG SIGNING yet as you predicted?
Are you worry?
Why would I WORRY?
I am THRILLED that United and Chelsea have done nothing.
That means Arsenal still have a chance.
Though if we do NOTHING and they do nothing, they are better than we are, so we lose.
But don’t worry, we have lined up a 17 year old.
That will make you happy.
Once again Stag. QUOTE ONE person who ever wrote “United are going to FOLD”.
From what I read, it seems that you are the ONLY one who ever wrote this on this thread.
correct me if I’m wrong.
You go on about teams losing money and United are in trouble and City… and Chelsea… and Liverpool.
All of them spend stupidly…
its NONSENSE to fans who care about FOOTBALL, not hypothesis and hearsay.
stag133 Reply:
January 15th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
again, don’t hold your breath… Liverpool have some finance issues, but there will be investors or BUYERS for that club.
If the current owners have to give up control, they will.
—————————————————
Yup, and the new owner and the new manager, new players are going to live together happy ever after.
If only things are that SIMPLE.
When u mentioned “BUYERS”, you seem to always confuse them with “Sugar Daddy”.
Not EVERY new owner is a “Sugar Daddy”. In fact, so far there are only TWO (Chelsea, City). Why do you think Liverpool and Man U have found themselves in such a financial mess at the first place?
ManU is a predicament too; maybe not with their manager, but certainly with club debt and the banks demanding payments.
Curious to see if SAF has the patience to stay around.
yes, he’s going to leave, and United are going to FOLD.
Just close up shop after the season.
Dissolve.
SAF going to ManCity, and the players will just all go to the highest bidders.
What planet are you from?
Gee – most would have assumed I mean’t retired.
Oh, and how has the “financial mess” hampered United?
How many league titles, how many CL’s, etc etc etc.
They are the MODEL of WINNING SUCCESS.
You, for some reason, are more concerned about… Arsenal making profit?!
New owners don’t need to be MEGA-RICH, but all owners are RICH.
They just have to infuse some money into the team… new money.
Do you actually root for Liverpool and United to financially collapse? Is that something that would be good for football?
Stag – they sold Ronaldo to make interest payments for the past 2 years.
$80M – have they bought Villa? No one bought to take Ronaldo’s place?
They are struggling big time. Yes, they are still in second place, but out of
CC and FA Cup and we will be above them in the final league standings.
Yes, they have won silverware over the past 4 years, those trophies will soon make their way to ebay – along with OT. LOL.
Their $30m swipe for Berbatov – how to you say clunker.
Do I hear Tevez laughing across town?
At the moment, the only way for ManU to get a new striker is to off-load
Berbatov – whose value will likely be 1/2 of what they paid.
Actually Arsene is looking like a genius compared to these other managers!
No, Arsene is a genius compared to these others.
yes AS, Man U have paid over 200 mil the past 4 years… as their loan INTEREST (principal excluded).
The past 4 years?
How about since the Premiership began?!
They have more titles than all the other teams COMBINED!
Yet you think the supporters care about the interest paid?
That they’d be happier if they made money and didn’t win titles?
Geez Stag,
When did I say Liverpool or Man U would go bankrupt or get relegated?
If I ever said so, quote it. But don’t frigging twist my words. All I am saying they are in some financial troubles of their own.
Holding my breath? All I am saying is please stop kissing their asses. Why the hell you bothered to defend them by the way? Is here a Liverpool or Man U forum that my comment has offended a Liverpool or Man U fan?
Andez,
you’re right……..no buyers on any horizon.
the balance of the season will be nightmare for Pool and their fans…..Murphy’s Law has struck.
– unable to rid themselves of the manager without taking another financial stabbing.
– key players are out, lack of depth on the squad;
– media is all ready reporting Gerrard to Inter & Torres I’m sure will be linked to Real or Barca – anyway all of this gossip is destructive to team morale!
yes, they too will fold, and Liverpool will cease to exist.
Nobody will buy them. People buy Portsmouth or ManCity, but not Liverpool.
They’ll be in first division in 3 years.
yup AS,
Basically i think this mentality that – when all fail – manager fail, players fail, board and owners fail… don’t worry, we can still COUNT ON NEW BUYERS to bail us out is so UNBELIEVABLY WRONG.
What kind of bloody logic that is?
If everyone think that way, then those business owners why they even bother to manage their business? Get their employees go to work?
Cos worst to worst, when business turn bad, let’s just sell it.
That simple??!!
RE: things more important than football
Just one more option for folks who can and are so inclined.
http://www.pih.org/home.html
No doubt.
LIFE is more important than football… so glad Togo decided to go home.
The tragedy in Haiti, is just terrible.
Football is a good diversion from real life.
A good diversion, when Arsenal wins. ;-)
Big match at the ACN between Ivory Coast and Ghana….Eboue gets stretchered off early, but is up and playing shortly. Bit of a drama queen, that one….
Later in the match Eboue makes a very poor two-footed (late) challenge and gets a straight red card. No quarter final for him.
It was as if he lost his mind for a moment…
LOL?!
That’s Eboue.
That’s what he is all about.
No reason at all, but he goes loopy, gets a stupid red-card.
He should have been sold years ago.
He will NEVER change his tired act of drama, diving, and stupid play.
Here stag, for your information:
The Liverpool owners have been trying to sell the club for two years, now they are seeking investment of £100 million. They’ll be lucky. Who in their right mind is going to invest that amount for a minority stake with no control and no say?
“Anyone coming will want control, at least 51% at the very minimum. No one is going to hand over big sums with Hicks and Gillett calling the shots. It’s dysfunctional as it is, and it would only be shuffling the deck chairs around the Titanic, and make no real difference.
“The club have been out there now for several months seeking investors without any joy, and I cannot imagine much will change in the next few months.”
Finding a potential investor would have been an easier task had the club been performing better this season, and the source admitted that, should Liverpool fail to make the top four come May, financial problems could worsen and the desire to find a new manager strengthen.
again, don’t hold your breath… Liverpool have some finance issues, but there will be investors or BUYERS for that club.
If the current owners have to give up control, they will.
Funny all the Reds fans calling for Rafa’s head. Do the maths:
Fail to qualify for CL next season, Liverpool would lose 20 mil CL money.
Sack Rafa now, Liverpool would lose 20 mil for compensation fees (Rafa just signed a new deal last summer).
Sack Rafa now and (the new man) fails to take Liverpool to CL, it’s 20 mil + 20 mil = 40 mil loss.
Special One to take over Rafa? The Special One can only be “Special” when he gets money to spend. Not a chance.
– don’t forget to include the salary of the new manager –
but Andez, there is no money at the club, so the new manager must make do with current roster or sell off assets.
no CL play,
the sharks smell blood; agents and other managers will be working overtime to lay ground work for key Pool player moves this summer.
That’s a good story Andez…
but if a new owner comes in with CA$H… and brings in Mourinho, then its a whole new ball game for Liverpool… players will stay, and more will come.
It can all change in an instant, with a new owner and/or manager.
I wouldn’t worry too much about Liverpool being relegated any time soon!
that goes without saying Stag. It’s like saying IF tomorrow some idoits from Middle East decide to inject a billion into Hull City, they too would be a force.
Have you heard that now even Man Utd are trying to sell the junk bonds to grab themselves some $$$ to cover their debt? Wonder what idoits are going to buy…
I am not an economic master, as far as I’m concerned, when comes to business, everything is SIMPLE. IN and OUT. When it’s not balanced, troubles will follow.
That’s the BASIC theory of how our world works – BALANCE.
I don’t believe for a second that Liverpool or ManU will have financial problems to the point that they will lose all their best players and be relegated.
There will ALWAYS be wealthy people, willing to invest in clubs that big.
Don’t hold your breath waiting for United or Liverpool to go bankrupt.
I’m surprised of Coyle’s move to Bolton as well. Now, perhaps Bolton will get an instant boost, everyone wants to impress the new manager, and gets a result against us on Sunday… In a long run though, I think it’s not a smart move for Coyle.
First, Bolton may be bigger, with more cash to spend, but they aren’t exactly armed with 50 mil. 10 mil or something you don’t really get to buy much in January.
Secondly, he will be under a much bigger pressure. Coyle only played for less than 80 matches for Bolton as a player, so forget about the sentimental factor there. As some Burnley fans pointed out, should he stay and even Burnley get relegated, the fans would still love him for getting the team playing good football, and did well in first part of the season. But if he fails with Bolton, it’s unlikely the Bolton fans would be as forgiven.
Third, Bolton are aging. And their players were bought to play a certain type of football – long ball, physical game. Now will Coyle be able to get them playing the Burnley way? The passing game? I’d like to think the chance of this happening is as good as letting Arsene Wenger to coach the old Wimbledon playing the ball on the ground. Or to let Big Sam coaching this current Arsenal side to play long ball game… DISASTER!!
At the end of the day Andez, players and managers do what they believe is right for THEM. Who are we to judge if Coyle wanting to go to Bolton is a good move? (for him)
If he likes Bolton better, more power to him… as long as Burnley get compensated, fine. Their club will go on without Coyle.
Same with players, like Hleb, Flamini, etc… its THEIR CHOICE… their lives… their decisions. We can speculate all we want why players and managers jump ship, but much of the personal factors will never be known to the fans.
Arsesession, agree with what you said. Traore had one bad half against Everton but the kid bounced back in the second. Gotta resepect that resolve. He’s still only 19 and is going to be inconsistent but still a good player.
Ramsey, despite his age, appears to have a bit more maturity to his game and hence better consistency (ala Denilson). He’s really close to being ready. It’s a bit of a crap shoot with young players. You never know who’s going to show up on the day.
The whole idea about Jay Thomas being brought in is that the kid is an awesome talent with good size, strength, and skill; very physical. I’d rather see him get the nod than an un-fit Denilson. Thomas could get exposure while Denilson gets recovery time. However, Wenger knows better than us whether his players are ready.
Nip, I could care less what those guys have to say about our chances beating Bolton. What is their prediction based on? Most of those guys aren’t very smart.
Owen Coyle will probably be like Sammy Lee. He’ll likely try and impose a different style of play at Bolton but they simply may not have the players to play a different way. In fairness, I’m not very familiar with Bolton’s players. Well see.
Defender’s and keepers – their errors are magnified vs. other positional players.
Ramsey has had horrid matches, yet criticism of his play is always measured. Traore has performed close to Clichy’s level, but can deliver a much more accurate or lethal cross. ditto for Gibbs.
For those that want to argue that Traore does not push forward enough vs. CG, I’d argue he’s been instructed to limit his runs.
We can expect 90 minutes of high pressure from Bolton.
I will be curious to see how Arsene lines up the midfield without Denilson. Hoping for Cesc to have either Rosicky or Nasri with Diaby.
LOL
their predictions are based on the fact that their JOB is to watch and comment on football FULL TIME!
More than fans.
Does it make them smart? No.
But it surely doesn’t mean their stupid.
They predict based on what they see, and after seeing us against Everton, why NOT predict a loss or draw. We were AWFUL.
I know you saw a different match in which Traore was good!
But they could also be making predictions that are controversial, to generate interest, depending on their medium.
I assure you, they aren’t stupid because they didn’t pick Arsenal.
Interesting to see that both BBC and Soccernet predict that Arsenal will falter this Sunday.
BBC (Lawro) say draw, while Soccernet (Dale) says defeat !!
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=725073&sec=transfers&cc=4716
Both David James and Thomas Sorensen could be on the move. I wouldn’t mind either at Arsenal for the next six months.
Sendy should be gone soon to Everton I guess. Lucas Neil’s joining Galatasaray. Once that happens Sol is announce officially.
Saha’s not joining us. He’s only 31. He has one more payday left. He needs to get as much as he can so he’ll go on a free wherever. Don’t think Everton will let him go that cheap for 6 months. Thats just me though.
Yes, I too doubt Everton will let Saha go.
Maybe we should say that we will give them Sendy only if they loan us Saha for six months. :)
Blackburn-Villa 1st leg of the CC semi is turning into a fun match to watch (Villa lead by a goal but Blackburn have rattled the post…twice recently) 70th minute on Setanta….
And if that doesn’t do it for you….here’s one to make you gag on your Haterade…. ;-)
http://www.thefootballnetwork.net/main/s378/st153162.htm
Thanx for the new posting…
I don’t see anything wrong with bringing in Sol Campbell.
If he doesn’t work out, nothing lost, but I just hope he
actually PLAYS in a few matches… like the FA Cup.
Do NOT want Gallas and Vermaelen played until injured.
Cesc being back is fantastic news, and Clichy isn’t far behind.
Both good things for sure.
If Clichy doesn’t play against Bolton, I’d go with Silvestre.
Traore was embarrased against Everton… I’m hoping Clichy plays.
Liverpool. WOW.
Lost their 3 best players in one game.
Benayoun is also a really good player… he’s out 4 weeks, Gerrard 2, and Torres 6 weeks.
I don’t think they can survive that type of blow. Could we lose Arshavin Cesc and RVP? Oh right, we lost 2 of them for a bit!
They have great supporters… but it makes the race for the CL very interesting for sure. They are mired in mediocrity for a while, and it will be an uphill battle for Rafa and the club.
January 14th.
Wilshire to go out on loan. OK. He isn’t playing here much.
Senderos has to go, for his own good… and WC chances.
And please, I don’t want to see a kid get first team playing time because he scores 3 goals in a reserve match. I thought folks wanted to give Vela playing time?!
We’ve got Sol (back) but he’s not a soldier, indeed.
We are waiting Arsene. I know you like to wait until the very last second in the window, but … as long as we’re doing musical lyric references! I’ll leave you with “Lost Prophets”:
it’s time to make a move / Wake up, Wake up, Wake up, / And we will never lose … Yeah I’m so sick of waiting, for us to make a move …
;)
Good one Stag….
Here’s an oldie but a goodie, from the Kool-Aid people: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu3VTngm1F0 with a ;-) right back atcha…
Agree about no need to bring in the reserves just yet….I have a vested interest in Vela starting to shine as the only face to face football talk I get in my world is with Mexicanos…. He’s ready to shine and these next three matches are the perfect chance before the tougher ones beyond. I especially think that he could make some serious magic happen working some passing with the likes of Cesc/Arshavin/Rosicky/Nasri. Vs West Ham, of course he already did it with Dudu and Ramsey….
At the moment Ramsey has taken his chances (scored the goals and you can’t argue with goals….) but Carlitos is getting back from his bad off season injury (with Cortizone shots so he could win Mexico that Gold Cup) and he’s made the assists and, overall, at the moment, I think, is the better “team” player.
If Dudu ain’t dudu-ing it, bring Carlos on….
Re: George Michael. Let’s just hope Le Boss isn’t asleep at the wheel.
Strong article DAG.
Personal Jesus – nice spin ( if vinyl were the media choice – ha ha) on Cesc’s return.
With Diaby the likely choice at DM, please Mr. Arsene, select Rosicky or Nasri with Cesc in mid-field. (not Ramsey)
I fancy Traore over Sylvestre. This young man has caught my attention and done himself respectable by his performances.
Sunday can’t come fast enough.
I can’t find the energy to feel sorry for Pool & its supporters.
Regarding Sol –
I think this says volumes about the confidence Arsene has in Djourou’s ability & future.
Agree with you about resting Ramsey (or bringing him in as a sub only) at Bolton.
This is a tough game for us as they will be up for it (new manager and all) and I feel we must score the first goal.
With Mooney in goal the best way to score first is to dominate possession and create tons of pressure while allowing them little time in our half of the field.
While Ramsey’s got the strong eye for goal I worry about his basic, possession oriented MF skills (they will come in time) and his tendency to telegraph his passes (leading to interceptions). Rosicky and Nasri, at this time, are just calmer on the ball and happier to take up deeper (more defensive) positions on the pitch. I hope we don’t end up missing A. Song too much over these next couple of games….
And yeah, can’t feel sorry for ‘Pool (except for Scouser kids weeping in the stands….) but FA cup replays and such do help pass the time until our next match.
Good point about Ramsey. Yes, we need maturity in this away fixture for the reason you mention.
I prefer not to rehash Almunia. I’d love to see him succeed for Arsenal, but …………….
DAG…typo in the first sentence of the 7th graph…’supper’ star. As you know, in the states, he was more of a brunch/lunch-time star. ;-)
Everyone’s a critic. Thank you –
smart ass.
Critic? Naw, man. Big fan. I figured you’d want to know, and it might easy to correct (then you could delete this).
Smart ass? Moi? Well, duh. ;-)
Very good DAG….and if we start bitching about having to scroll down, you can just delete a whole mess of posts… ;-)
Reaction to the Sol signing seems generally positive AND he clearly solves the issue of “how can you find someone to be a back-up?”
I like the idea of Louis Saha to slot into the RVP spot….but I don’t see it with much chance of happening. As always, however, what the hell do I know?
Cesc back is big, very big. Owen Coyle saw the difference between us with and without Cesc when we played at Burnley last month. We absolutely NEED Cesc to stay healthy from here on out. Everybody, please….touch whatever wood you can….or send him the healthy hammy vibes or whatever…..
Two matches in 72 hours with Bolton and their new manager and it’s hard to say what he will be looking for from his new team. Despite Coyle’s lip service about playing nicer football he appears to be a “bottom-line” sort of guy (i.e., abandoning Burnley for the “Bigger” club) so I would expect to see Route 1 football, sharp elbows and efforts to scare us at set pieces. We must be stingy in the opener to dash their hopes for the return leg. Do we still have Almunia as our keeper? Vermaelen’s been talking about the need to eliminate the “stupid goals.” Hmmmm….. If Clichy is not ready for Sunday’s match I’d go for Sylvestre at LB over Traore just for his size and presence on set pieces. As it is, it seems we’ll have Diaby in Song’s role…we just need to remind him which goal he’s attempting to protect vs head into.
So hopefully we can take care of business, avoid injury, score some goals and get the six points from the two matches. We’ll also get to see quite a bit of our rivals during this period. I thought Liverpool had arrested their death spiral with the late goal at Villa. Wrong. (And now Torres, Benayoun and useless Gerrard join Glen Johnson out for them.) United have the easy game (Burnley at OT) but then Citi in the first leg of the CC semi. Most interesting will be to see how Chelsea look without their Africans vs Sunderland, esp. given that we could use them dropping some more points.
And speaking of Africans…Don’t count on an early return from the ACN for our Alex Song (or Eboue) despite poor results in their opening games. Both Cameroon and Ivory Coast will come back just fine and those guys will be gone into February. Hopefully Diaby (or Denilson, well-chastised and maybe benched due to his injury antics?) will do the job against Bolton and give us one less worry.
OK, so lets get back into it, on the field and here on YAMA…no more dropped posts, er, points but plenty of “healthy” debate about what Arsenal need (or don’t need) to “close the deal,” etc.