Sol Campbell to start managerial career in non-league? Former Arsenal and England star linked with Maidstone United job
The Kent club are in search of a new boss and the 43-year-old is among the favourites
Sol Campbell has emerged as a shock contender to become Maidstone United's new boss.
The former Arsenal and England star is one of the bookies' favourites to take charge of the National League side.
Maidstone are on the lookout for a new manager after Jay Saunders' departure.
Saunders led the Stones to three promotions in seven years but departed the Gallagher Stadium last week by mutual consent.
The Kent side have won only two of their opening eight games of the season and are sitting just a point above the relegation zone.
Campbell is keen to enter management and has gained a UEFA Pro Licence.
He has spoken in the past of his disappointment at failing to land a top coaching job, describing himself as “one of the greatest minds in football”.
The 43-year-old, who was capped 73 times by England, held talks with Oxford United and Grimsby Town earlier this year but was overlooked for both roles.
Campbell enjoyed a hugely successful 20-year playing career.
He made more than 300 appearances for Tottenham before joining north London rivals Arsenal, where the centre-back won the Premier League title twice and was part of the Invincibles squad of 2003-04.
He also won three FA Cups with the Gunners and had further success in the competition with Portsmouth, before spells with Notts County, back at Arsenal during the 2009-10 campaign and then Newcastle.