DJ Campbell loves life at Blackpool because it reminds him of life in non-league.
Former non-league star is savouring life in the Premier League
DJ Campbell loves life at Blackpool because it reminds him of life in non-league football.
The 29-year-old began his career in the semi-professional ranks with Yeading and only signed his first professional contract at 24 years of age.
Now starring for Blackpool in the Premier League, Campbell admits he is inspired by the humble surroundings of the league's newcomers.
Beauty
"It suits me," Campbell told
The Sun.
"I've been at what people might think of as bigger clubs like Birmingham and Leicester where you have everything done for you.
"Blackpool is the opposite and kind of reminds me of when I was playing non-league.
"You have to wash your own kit and the training ground isn't the best but it's humbling.
"That's the beauty of it. Strangely I like washing my own gear. It keeps you grounded, it keeps you sane and together."
Methods
You would think that highly-paid footballers would frown on the methods employed by their extrovert manager, Ian Holloway.
Campbell points out, however, that they have instead brought the group closer together and honed their team spirit.
"It's just a pleasure to play every day. We aren't scared of Spurs coming to us," he said.
"Everyone knows we will give it a go because our manager Ian Holloway would rather go for it and lose than sit back and try to scramble a draw which is great for us strikers."
