Cod Almighty | Article

by Simon Wilson

11 November 2002

Stu first joined the Mariners on loan for the 2000/2001 season - one of Lennie Lawrence's shrewdest moves. Providing defensive and attacking efficiency and drive from wide midfield positions throughout that campaign led to calls for the club to sign him permanently.

In the summer, Town paid £200,000 to secure his services from Leicester - where he was behind Muzzy Izzet, Robbie Savage and Neil Lennon in the Foxes' midfield pecking order.

Since then Campbell's form has been as erratic as Town's. On some days he busies himself, making a nuisance of himself, hustling the opposition into giving the ball away, making darting runs down the wing. Others it's been difficult to see the lad's contribution to a game other than energetically charging around midfield.

Predominantly right-footed, Campbell was deployed by Lawrence as his left winger leading to double-edged sword of memorable cut insides and shooting a la an inverse Chris Waddle tempered by the inevitable cut backs to cross with his right peg.

After leaving a club where he was hustling for a place in a midfield-trio for a club that traditionally plays with four in midfield, it's been felt that no-one's quite sure if Stu's a central or a wide midfielder. There's been signs this season - notably against Derby - where he's moved into the middle of the park and made a prime contribution to the game that he might becoming adjusted to Town's orthodoxy. Let's hope this rise in presence continues and he fulfils the promise so many saw in that initial loan period.