Arsenal Begin Building Old Boys Team

For a number of years now Arsene Wenger has had two jobs. One as the gaffer of Arsenal FC and one as the fella in charge of the clubs crèche, nurturing exciting prospects for the future.

The player of most significance to emerge from under Wenger’s wing has to be Cesc Fabregas, who has developed from a diminutive but skilful midfielder, into a world class player and club captain.

To pigeon hole Wenger as just a nurturer of talent though is narrow minded, as he is equally comfortable fostering ageing defenders in the twilight of their careers.

Mikeal Silvestre has up until recently been the sole example of Wenger’s plan of diversity, but he has recently been joined by former old boy and Notts County legend, Sol Campbell.

The surprise re-signing of Campbell has set the rumour mill around the Emirates whirring into life. Reports have been circulating that other former gunners will also follow Campbell back to Arsenal, as Wenger attempts to lure father-like figures back to the club to help the Arsenal kids towards their first league title since 2004.

It has been suggested that he has attempted to lure Lee Dixon away from the comfort of the Match of the Day sofa and Nigel Winterburn out of his old folks home.

Wengers surprise decision to give Campbell a second chance at Arsenal delighted the old boy, as he told BBC Sport “I’m ecstatic to be back and I have worked hard to get there”.

He also took time out to praise his employer by stating “Arsene Wenger is not stupid. He wouldn’t have taken me back if he didn’t like what he has seen.”

I’m sure Wenger is delighted to learn from a third party that he is in fact not stupid.

“He brings experience, good advice, and physically he has worked hard. We’re giving him a chance,” said Wenger.

“For us it is a good help until the end of the season, and for him it is a good opportunity to show he can still play in the Premier League.”

The old boy network of Campbell and Silvestre, who have a combined age of 385, got their first run out together against Stoke in the FA Cup on Sunday, but they were unable to handle the pace and movement of Stoke’s young striker Ricardo Fuller, 30, who twice stole in between the two defenders to head past the despairing Fabianski.

The old boys I’m sure will be unconcerned by their failure to contain Stoke’s forward line, as they know that they still have time on their side and one eye on the future.

Posted By Dan Mobbs - Monday January 25, 2010.
Tags: Sol Campbell, Arsenal