90 seconds with Andy ‘Cammy’ Campbell

Andrew Paul Campbell was born in Middlesbrough in 1979 and aged 14 years of age he joined his home town team ‘Boro’ as a youth player. The talented striker would soon progress to first team action and at 16 years old he made his Middlesbrough debut against Sheffield Wednesday at The Riverside Stadium. His first start came later that month against Liverpool at Anfield.

Under the stewardship of Bryan Robson, Terry Venables and Steve McClaren, Cammy made 56 appearances and scored four goals for his beloved Boro. During this period, Andy also won four caps for England U21’s where he made four appearances for the Three Lions, scoring two goals.

After a successful loan spell at Cardiff City in 2002, he made the move permanent in a £1m deal which took him down to South Wales where he made an impressive start scoring six goals in his first four games. After four years at Ninian Park, Andy continued his career in the Non-League pyramid until he retired in 2012 to start his managerial career.

90 seconds, 11 Q&A with Andy Campbell:-

1) Childhood team growing up? The Mighty Boro. I used to watch all the matches with my dad at Ayresome Park.
2) First pair of football boots owned? Diadora, Marco Van Basten’s. At the time he was the best centre forward around and scored some world class goals.
3) Did you have a nickname in the dressing room and how did you get it? It was either Cammy or Cams. Short and simple.
4) Favourite teammate? At Boro, I was probably closest to Mark Summerbell as we shared a room together for away days but I was close to all the younger players really. At Cardiff it was probably Willie Boland as we lived near each other.
5) Toughest opponent? Sol Campbell or Jaap Stam. Both superb defenders.
6) Which player do you wish you’d had the chance to play with? To be fair I was very fortunate to play with lots of excellent professionals and some world class players.
7) Favourite football shirt you’ve played in? I loved every red shirt of Boro I played in and I always wore it with pride every single time.
8) Best stadium for atmosphere? Old Trafford every time I played there.
9) Biggest influence on your career? My parents and my brother helped me all the way.
10) Most prized possessions from your playing days? All of my personal memories but my England U21 caps and my promotion medals are special. Along with my two hat trick balls.
11) What keeps you busy these days? My family and being manager of Middlesbrough Women keeps me extremely busy.