Campbell eager to excel after move to Danish club
Former Harbour View FC player Norman Campbell says he is eager to hit the high notes with Danish top-flight club Randers FC after recently inking a deal set to last until June 2028.
The 24-year-old wide player, who has played for different football clubs in Serbia since the 2020-21 season, noted that the move to Denmark is a progressive one.
“This transfer represents growth for me. I consider this the move that will take me to the next level because it’s a process and each transfer so far is a step up. So, I am definitely looking forward to a new challenge in this new club,” the speedy Reggae Boyz winger said.
Campbell, a former Jamaica College schoolboy football standout, emphasised that he’s a far more mature player since moving to Europe.
“At my age now is where footballers usually get that move that really begins to define their career. Being from Jamaica where getting a professional contract in Europe is such a hard task, [and] getting a club to put so much faith in me is really an accomplishment within itself.
“Since being in Europe I have been in various environments and situations that forced me to become more adaptable. I had to learn more of the defensive side to the game and it has dramatically improved my positioning. In Denmark I know I will be getting more responsibility to influence my team as I get to express myself more with the football. Denmark has a lot of quality players and the football level is pretty good, so the challenge for me is to now take it to a next level,” he explained.
Last season, Randers finished 10th in the 12-team league, as Midtjylland claimed the title just ahead of second-placed Brondby and third-placed Copenhagen.
He is confident he can give his new club the boost to rival the bigger clubs.
“I have gained a lot of experience with the different technical aspects of the game, and more importantly, I have more understanding of what being a professional footballer is. So that means each team always gets a better version of me. When given the opportunity I will give 200 per cent to help Randers finish higher up in this league and hopefully get us into European competition,” Campbell said.
Kevin Cowan, Campbell’s agent, said the player’s mental strength, improved maturity, proficiency in one-on-one situations and overall technical qualities are likely to make him a hit in Denmark.
“He fought and persevered through some difficult times while in Serbia. In the first couple [of] years he suffered tremendously. At times, maybe he was unlucky because certain coaches who believed in him were suddenly sacked, but other times, it was due to his lack of maturity in how he handled certain situations. That being said, he has matured significantly over the last two years, resulting in more consistent performances, which ultimately led to his transfer to Randers FC,” he told the Jamaica Observer.
“He’s fully aware that the challenge and expectations in Denmark will be even greater, but I believe he’s prepared, and now equipped with the right mindset. This is a big platform and from here, anything is possible,” Cowan added.