Sol Campbell surprised by Kevin Nolan’s ‘strange’ transfer from Newcastle to West Ham United

Carling Cup – Chelsea vs Newcastle United, Sol Campbell (Getty Images)

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Sol Campbell has expressed his surprise at seeing Newcastle United’s Kevin Nolan move to West Ham United after rejecting a new contract at St James’ Park.

The midfielder, Newcastle’s top scorer last season, signed a five-year deal at Upton Park on Thursday and former Magpies defender Campbell was amazed to see the 28-year-old move on from a place he so popular at.

Campbell told Sky Sports News: “Surprised? Yes, because Nobby Nolan is a very popular player up there and has done fantastically for the team, especially when they dropped down, coming up and then securing Premier League status the following year.

“He’s the captain as well, so he is the figurehead at Newcastle, so it was a bit strange for him.

“I looked at the situation and it does look a little bit strange, but the business up there is slightly different.”

Campbell left Tyneside after deciding against an optional second year at Newcastle and will be a free agent at the end of the month.

The centre-back made just eight appearances last season after being signed by former manager Chris Hughton and was very coy on the subject of leaving the club.

Campbell said: “No comment. The fans are great. It’s a fantastic club, it’s a massive club and success has definitely eluded them for a long time.

“But they keep faith and they are great fans up there. The support around the north-east is second to none up and down the country.

“It would be nice for them to win something, really.”