Salut!

Much has been made in the media this week of the fact that Sol Campbell faces a hostile reception when he returns to White Hart Lane this weekend for the first time since his controversial move to Tottenham's arch rivals Arsenal in the summer.

I don't think too many people could argue against Campbell's decision to exercise his right to leave Spurs on a Bosman free transfer.

What angered the Tottenham faithful is not that he chose to walk out on their team, but the fact he defected to the team they like the least.

I know from my own experience at White Hart Lane what a great bunch the Spurs fans can be. All sorts of protests have been mentioned against Campbell, but I just hope they are carried out peacefully.

We are facing a similar situation at Villa Park on Saturday when our former defensive duo Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu return to face us as Middlesborough players.

I know Gareth upset a lot of people by leaving Aston Villa, but that is only natural when one of your best players asks for a transfer and then moves to a rival club.

I would agree with Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle, and tell our fans not to be too distracted in their protests against Southgate so that it means they forget to get behind our team instead.

As he said, if you have one eye on the front door, then the thieves will come in the back door and nick the three points.

The fans' energy should be focused on getting behind our team for 90 minutes, because our incentive is to get the three points that will keep us in touch with the Premiership leaders. That surely has to be more of an incentive than having a go at Southgate and Ehiogu.

Players and managers go back to their former clubs and get stick – that is football, it is nothing new, and it is quite a challenge. I have had it myself, particularly when I have returned to St James' Park, where the Newcastle fans are so passionate. Yet it only serves to make you want to try harder and play better to silence the taunts.

Southgate and Ehiogu are total professionals and our fans must realise they will probably raise their game, so it is a stupid thing for us to entice them.

I hope as always to be involved in the game. Thanks again for all your support!

A bientôt,

David Ginola.


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