Apparently its 15 years ago today that our once adored former centre half, committed the ultimate sin..
I suppose we always remember the transfers that we were forced into making. Carrick, Berbatov, Modric and Bale and are all ones that instantly spring to mind in recent years as players that looked to force a move, even if we actually made a very handsome profit on the deals and it could be argued that the board actually rubbed their hands in glee at the prospect of a massive fee, however fans take a different view.
Certainly in the case of Campbell, it remains the deal that we as Spurs fans hold as the greatest betrayal. Even if we accept that in terms of his career, joining Arsenal was a great success for him, it still rankles as a deep star in the hearts of every thing Tottenham.
I vividly remember reading and listening to interviews of his claiming to love our club and wanting to sign a new contract, but I also always felt he was using the unpopularity of Alan Sugar and George Graham to make himself as some sort of victim, as he claimed he just wanted Spurs to match his own ambition, knowing or at least expecting that Sugar and Graham would have taken much of the blame.
Perhaps that would have been the case if he had joined any other club than Arsenal. That was the one move to make Spurs fans turn on the player and his attitude before, during and after, has continued to make him the one player that Spurs fans hate above all others, regardless of their ability.
Sure Campbell was an excellent player and one that actually has a claim to being rated as one of the very best for both North London teams, but as we all know, there are ways and means of going about things and Campbell and no doubt his agent, hurt Spurs like no other player before or since.
After 15 years and the player has long since retired, can you forgive or at least understand Campbell`s actions and decision to join our biggest rivals? For me, I have always felt that although it would have been understandable to have seen him join anyone else, Arsenal was a kick in the teeth. I also feel that players can be forgiven if they show some humility and respect for a former club.
I actually don`t believe he has ever shown respect or genuinely looked to justify his reasons for the move, though for me, history showed is was an excellent decision in terms of his football career, however I would like to think that his inability to become an established manager or even pundit is part due to his character, as it cannot be due to his footballing ability. Has he since proved to be slightly up his own backside or just a personality that rubs people up the wrong way? I will leave that for you to judge…
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