Adam Campbell has linked up with another ex-Magpie Mike Williamson at South Shields
Adam Campbell has joined South Shields
Former Newcastle striker Adam Campbell has joined South Shields(Image: South Shields FC)
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Adam Campbell was once the bright young prospect that was viewed as one of the brightest prospects in Newcastle United's academy set-up.
He landed the Most Valuable Player award at the 2010 Nike Cup and followed in the footsteps of the likes of Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs by shining at the prestigious youth competition in Northern Ireland.
History beckoned as Campbell became the youngster United player to appear in European competition when he replaced Papiss Cisse as late substitute in a Europa League tie against Greek club Atromitos - although that record has since been taken by Lewis Miley when he came off the bench in a Champions League defeat against Borussia Dortmund in November 2023.
Campbell went on to make a handful of senior appearances for the Magpies before going on to feature for the likes of Notts County, Gateshead and Crawley Town in the years that followed.
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He has now agreed to reunite with former Magpies team-mate Mike Williamson after joining National League North club South Shields - although he is ready to embrace the responsibility of being an older head in the Mariners dressing room.
At 31-years-old, Campbell will be one of the more experienced players Williamson can call upon during his first season in charge at Mariners Park - and the former United prospect is adamant he can ‘set a good example’ for his younger team-mates in such an integral role.
He told Chronicle Live: “I have probably felt like an experienced head since I was at Gateshead really because Mike made me part of the leadership group that seems to be a thing in football these days. That meant we helped push things and acted as a go-between with the manager and the coaching staff.
“I’ve been used to it and I am probably heading into the back end of my career now. I think there’s one player older than me so you can sense the younger lads looking at what you do on a day-to-day basis and how you act in training.
“There is a pressure to set a good example because it is a young, impressionable squad and that’s good for Mike, Harra (assistant head coach Stephen Harrison) and Sads (first team coach Jack Sadler) because they have a modern style of play and that suits how I play so I can help the young lads figure out their roles and the patterns.”
Adam Campbell on the ball for Newcastle United
Adam Campbell in action or Newcastle United
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Campbell met several familiar faces within the South Shields squad when he agreed to become Williamson’s latest summer signing earlier this week.
The former Magpies forward became a National League North title winner alongside Mariners trio Paul Blackett, Robbie Tinkler and Cedwyn Scott during their time working under Williamson at Gateshead and counted Jack Roles and Jasper Sheik amongst his team-mates at Crawley.
Such familiarity has eased the settling-in process and Campbell is keen to ensure he can ‘hit the ground running’ as his new club prepare for the new National League North season.
He said: “When you’re in this part of the world, you know most of the players so it’s been really easy to settle in. It does help and I class Robbie Tinkler as one of my better mates I’ve made in football throughout my career so seeing him as a club captain makes it easy to settle in.
“I’ve played with Cedwyn (Scott), I’ve played with Blacky (Paul Blackett), I was at Crawley with Jack Roles and Jasper Sheik was there too. So it’s been easy walking in and feeling like I’ve been there for ages. I’ve settled in and I hope that helps me hit the ground running because settling in so quickly just means you feel you can express yourself quickly, get used to how they play and I play and make those connections.”
Adam Campbell has joined South Shields
Adam Campbell has signed for South Shields(Image: South Shields FC)
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After narrowly missing out on the National League North title last season and falling to a defeat against Kidderminster Harriers in the play-off final just two weeks later, South Shields aim is to push for non-league’s top tier once again.
Campbell revealed the big ambitions and style of play preferred by Williamson were key reasons why he snubbed interest from at least two other clubs in non-league’s top two tiers to sign on for another promotion push with the Mariners.
“It’s about the way they want to play and what they want to do this season,” he explained.
“The club has been on my radar for a few years because I know lads that are here now or have been through the club - so I’m fully aware of what they are trying to do and what they are looking to build.
“It’s a club that is only heading in one direction and it’s a good chance to get in here and help them as much as I can. I honestly think if it’s not this season, it will be next season that we will be a National League club and the sooner I can help make that happen, the better.”
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