By Daniel McSkimming
JOHN CAMPBELL is returning to Northern League Division One with a vengeance after re-signing for Jarrow Roofing from Oxford United.
The 26-year-old left the Boldon CA Sports Ground in November to have a second crack at the professional game after hitting 24 goals in 19 appearances for the South Tyneside club.
The striker's form put a host of Football League clubs on red alert, but he went on to score just one goal for the U's – in a 2-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle – before being loaned out to Conference side Torquay United – scoring twice.
However, despite Oxford deciding not to retain his services for the new campaign, the former Manchester City trainee insists he has “no regrets” about his time in the Football League.
Memories
“I loved every minute at Oxford. It was good to be back playing professionally again and surrounding myself with some high quality players,” he told The NLP.
“I wanted to stay and play at that level for longer, but it wasn't to be. Despite it not going exactly how I imagined, I still have a lot of good memories during my time there.
“Scoring against Plymouth was an amazing moment and something I'll never forget.”
Campbell left his family in his native North-East to ply his trade at the Kassam Stadium and he admits that was the hardest part of chasing his dream of professional football again.
“I had to leave my kids at home to go and play for Oxford,” he added. “It was hard being at the other end of the country to them. I missed Christmas, which was difficult. However, that was a sacrifice I had to make to try and become a success – I was doing this for them, after all.”
Campbell, a 2011 FA Trophy winner with Darlington, gained national recognition last term as he struck all five goals in Roofing's 5-0 rout over Consett AFC – including a sublime strike from inside his own half.
The striker admits he is “happy” to be back at the club and is looking forward to scoring goals again.
“Ideally, I would like to have played higher, but if this is where I need to be to keep myself on track then I'm happy to do so,” he added.
“(Manager) Richie McLoughlin is putting together another good squad. I know a lot of the lads he's signed as they have played locally with me before, plus a lot of last season's side that did really well have stayed.
“We have goals running through the team and that's exciting. Paul Chow is with us next season and he was deadly for Whitley Bay. I've scored goals wherever I have gone, so hopefully I can press on and beat my Roofing tally from last season.
“I'm not going to give up on playing professionally again, I just have to keep working hard next season and perform to my best and, if I do that, who knows what's going to happen.”
