Arsenal legend Sol Campbell has revealed that he is close to landing his first job in management.
In an interview with The Times, the former England international revealed that he is in “active negotiations” and that he could be handed a managerial role within “the next two or three weeks”.
He explained that he feels he is not given due credit in England, but overseas his qualities are given more recognition: “I am probably more recognised more in Europe than my own country”.
Campbell is likely no stranger to people not being fond of him. The Telegraph reported in 2001 that, while captain of Tottenham, he demanded £7 million a year to stay on at White Hart lane, demands that then executive vice-Chairman David Buchler described as “ridiculous”.
He subsequently went on to join arch-rivals Arsenal, winning six-major honours and playing a key role in the famous ‘Invincibles’ title-winning side in 2004.
It will be interesting to see how Campbell will deal with players in similar sort of situations during his own managerial career.
He also noted his high ambitions as a manager, claiming to already have his journey to the top mapped out: “I have a five or six-year plan and eventually I will get a top club”.
If Campbell is anywhere near as good a manager as he was a player, his stewardship will be of great benefit to whoever his first club may be.