Where Are They Now?: Tottenham XI vs Man United – August 1997

Centre Back: Sol Campbell

Then: Youth academy graduate Sol Campbell was perhaps the most talented member of an emerging group of English youngsters. The pacy and solid centre back had already made five appearances for the England national side and had been a regular fixture for Tottenham since the 1995/96 season. In the weeks leading up to the Manchester United game, 23-year-old Campbell was named by manager Gerry Francis as Tottenham captain. The fan favourite was a diamond in the rough during a difficult period.

Now: Campbell was recently in the headlines after he announced his intention to run for the London mayoral position. The strongly Conservative representative believed his position in the public eye would help his chances. However, he was not named in the Conservative party’s final four. In terms of his Spurs career, Campbell left the club in un-acrimonious circumstances. ‘Judas’, as he has since been known by Spurs fans, signed for local rivals Arsenal in the summer of 2001 after his contract with with the club expired. He went on to form part of the ‘invincibles’ side of the 2003-2004 season and was named in the PFA Team of the Year on two separate occasions. Despite making 73 appearances for England, Campbell believes he would have been named as the captain had he not been black.

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