Another Bramble Or Campbell?

Sir Bobby Robson paid millions on kids who were on the up ... but never reached their potential.

Gavillan, Viana, and a whole host more, including Titis Bramble. No matter if Bramble has the makings (which I very much doubt), it is not really the point. We have seen wasted years when he hasn't been producing and if we had an experienced central defender in his place we COULD have achieved something.

Now Glenn Roeder says he will NOT be making a move for Arsenal's Sol Campbell after all. But instead he wants to bring in youngsters. And haven't we been down that road before? Too many times?

Roeder says he wants younger players at the club and not a player approaching his swansong.

Roeder: "He is a very talented central defender, and I'm very aware of his ability. But I have to say Sol is not a player I am interested in signing. The crux of the matter is that if we are to sign another central defender, I would be looking to sign a younger player, although someone still with experience at this level.

"I have worked with Sol Campbell before at England level. I enjoyed working with him at France 98. I am very conscious of the average age of the squad at the moment, and I want to slightly reduce that if I can. I do have two or three targets in that position, and if they were to become available then I would be interested. I`ve heard about the speculation linking us to Sol and I wanted to nip it in the bud. He`s a good player and I wish him and England all the best at the World Cup."

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.