Cardiff City news 26/02/02

Tues 26th February 2002. Lawrence on Campbell

Andy Campbell was just 14 when Lennie Lawrence signed him for Middlesbrough. Only 2 years later on April 5th 1996 a couple of weeks before his 17th birthday he came on as an 84th minute substitute to replace Chris Freestone as Middlesbrough beat Sheff Wed 3 - 1 at the Riverside Stadium. That made him the youngest player ever to play in the Premiership.

Ironically one other player was substituted by Middlesbrough in that game, Graham Kavangh went off on 62 minutes to be replaced by Craig Hignett.

Just to add one other twist, the referee that day was Keith Cooper, now a City pundit on Real Radio.

Lennie Lawrence has used his experience and influence to bring a quality striker to Ninian Park. Campbell is struggling to get a regular first team place at 'boro but he is behind more established players like Boksic, Carbone, Whelan and Windass. Don't forget, this player is still only 22.

Lennie, talking to the Western Mail this morning, told of how he hopes that if we get promoted Campbell could become a permanent signing.

"It was difficult bringing Andy here. Half-a-dozen clubs would take him tomorrow. We've beaten off First Division clubs to get him so this is a real catch for us.

"He's got blistering pace and I'm hoping he will frighten people to death in this division. He's got the qualities we lack without Earnshaw.

"If we're fortunate to go up this season then he's one player we'll seriously look at signing on a permanent basis.

"I don't like bringing players in on loan unless there's a reasonably good chance of them staying permanently.

"I don't like the idea of people coming here to do us a favour. I like it when there's a bit of hunger. We're pleased to have Andy and he wants to play because he's been in and out of the Middlesbrough side.

"I know how much Andy will cost. I'm not going to say what that figure is but I know what Middlesbrough want for him and it's not unreasonable."

Campbell's prior relationship with Lawrence was undoubtedly the reason for his move to Ninian Park and Lawrence believes he will give City the speed needed now that Earnie is out injured.

"I know Andy. I signed him as a kid and I think that was a factor in him coming to Cardiff. This is a big-city club and a progressive club. That's the attraction for him.

"I want severe competition for forward places because to win games you have to score goals. When every-one's fit I'll have six strikers to choose from.

"Without Earnshaw we haven't got any pace. The lack of pace up front hasn't been a massive problem in the last two games."

Campbell's pace has already been noticed by fans of tonights opponents Huddersfield. A message posted on their mailing list reads

Anybody remember the pre-season friendly against Middlesbrough where Campbell gave Gray & Lucketti an absolute roasting? I remember Steve Bruce running onto the pitch at one point to scream at his central defenders as Campbell left them for dead yet again.