CAMPBELL TALKS SAFC

After Fraizer Campbell joined Sunderland fans in the away end against Brentford, we caught up with the striker to discuss his time at the club and how the Lads will do this season. Campbell spoke to us exclusively via BOYLE Sports who offer the latest Premier League odds.

MOVING TO SUNDERLAND

Obviously that was my first time leaving Man Utd permanently, so it was a really exciting period. I remember being on a pre-season tour somewhere, and I was sitting next to Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand, asking, ‘What should I do? What are your thoughts?’ They said, ‘You've just got to go and play football. You just need to play regularly.’ At the time, United were just winning everything. It would have been a tough task to cement a regular place in that team. It was exciting.

Rio said that I was on Fabio Capello's radar and things like that. I was told to just go out there, enjoy my football, and make a name for myself. I was really excited to go up there, especially with Steve Bruce being the manager, and get the next part of my journey started. Those guys that I mentioned, all the Class of '92, Sir Alex, my coaches, they were all brilliant with me. It really felt like they had my best interests at heart. You're forever grateful for your football education and for them being mentors and just understanding what it's like to be a young lad trying to make his way in the game. They were brilliant to me to be fair.

BEST MEMORIES

"I think there are two goals that were back to back that were really important for me. Well, maybe three goals. My first one, I think it was against Bolton. It took me about seven games to score a goal. It wasn't a great goal, but it was your first one for your new club, which was great in the Premier League.

The next one was when I came back after being injured for 18 months against Middlesbrough in the Cup. That one, I think that was my favourite one because I had so many worries about getting back to my old self and breaking down halfway through my rehab. So I had to go back and have more surgery. It really took a mental and physical toll on me. So to get back and then score, it was a massive release of endorphins. Then a week later, I started against Norwich in the Premier League and scored an absolute rocket. So yeah, I'd say those were my top three moments in a Sunderland shirt.

BRENTFORD (A)

I'd forgotten how passionate the Sunderland fans are. It's been a long time since I've been to an away game in and amongst the fans in the away end. It's so nostalgic. I remember going to my first games with my dad and the smell of the hot dog stands. That weekend, the sun was shining, the fans were all in great spirits, and I was just having a couple of beers and a pie. It was fantastic. I really, really enjoyed the day, and Sunderland, for the first half especially, looked really good.

REPRESENTING ENGLAND

I get a bit of stick with people saying, ‘You only played once,’ but once was all I ever dreamed of as a child. That's what we all dream of growing up, playing in the street with your friends, you want to play for your country. To be recognised as one of the best players in the country at that time is a massive achievement, and even if it was just for one game, I’ve got that forever. What makes it extra special is that my daughter was born on that day, and it was a leap year. There were so many elements to it that made it such a huge day for me and my family.

OUR TRANSFER WINDOW

I think that's a danger sometimes when you get players doing well, you want to add more players, and the players that got you to that point, got you into Europe or whatnot, seem to suffer a little bit. But they managed to keep their key players. They've added Malick Fofana in there as well, which is a great addition.

It's exciting being back in Europe. Looking at the game against Brentford, in the first half especially, they were really good, because I thought it was going to be a really difficult game for them against a Brentford side who are a top side, but they were unlucky not to be two or maybe even three goals up in the first half.

So, it's exciting. I know I've got a soft spot for Sunderland, but it's nice to see them doing well and being in Europe.

EUROPE HOPES & PREM PRIORITY

As a fan, the dream is to win it, but you have to enjoy the journey. If you can get out of the group, see how far you can go, the draw might be kind to you. If not, just enjoy some great away days like I did at Brentford.

I don't think there's too much pressure on them. The main target will be to perform well in the league, secure their Premier League status, and potentially improve on where they finished last season. The European run will just be an added bonus.