Former England defender Sol Campbell will maintain his record of playing in every season of the Premier League after joining newly promoted Newcastle on a one-year contract on Wednesday.
Campbell links up with Newcastle manager Chris Hughton, who was a coach at Tottenham when Campbell joined the north London club at the age of 14.
The 35-year-old Campbell made his league debut for Tottenham in December 1992, midway through the Premier League’s inaugural season.
Only David James, Ryan Giggs and Gary Speed have played more Premier League matches than Campbell’s 496. James and Giggs are also still playing.
“I have known Sol since he was a lad at Tottenham and am fully aware of what he has to offer,” Hughton said. “That is experience, quality, calm assurance and leadership. He’s a dedicated professional, a terrific addition to the squad, and I look forward to working with him again.”
The move means that Campbell has never cost a transfer fee in an 18-year career that has included 73 international caps and appearances at six international tournaments.
