Kevin Campbell Reveals Ratings System for Training at Trabzonspor
Former Premier League star Kevin Campbell recently shared his experience of playing for Trabzonspor in Turkey, where he encountered a unique training environment and passionate supporters. Campbell, who joined Trabzonspor from Nottingham Forest in 1998, scored five goals in 18 appearances for the club. During his time there, he discovered that players were given ratings for their performances in training sessions and five-a-side games, which would then be published in the newspapers.
The close relationship between the press and the club meant that every aspect of the team’s activities was covered extensively. Campbell explained, “If we played any practice games, you’d get marked; there’d be a double-page spread on the game. In the papers, the team got five pages a day! So they had to fill them with something! If you did great in a five-a-side game, there’d be this massive headline in the paper the next day!”
The level of coverage and attention given to training sessions was something Campbell had never experienced before. He found it amusing that a good training session could make headlines in the newspapers. To the Turkish fans and media, it was normal for players to be recognized and praised for their performances in training.
During Campbell’s season with Trabzonspor, the club finished fourth in the Turkish Super Lig and were eliminated from the UEFA Cup by Wisla Krakow. However, Campbell left the club on loan before the end of the campaign and eventually joined Everton permanently in the summer.
Throughout his career, Campbell scored a total of 83 goals in 325 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, West Brom, Nottingham Forest, and Everton. He also achieved success with Arsenal, winning the Cup Winners’ Cup and Community Shield.
The unique ratings system at Trabzonspor highlights the passion and dedication of Turkish football fans. The intense coverage of training sessions and the importance placed on player performances demonstrate the high standards expected by the club and its supporters. This level of scrutiny can both motivate players to perform at their best and add pressure to their daily training routines.
Trabzonspor’s approach to training and media coverage is a reflection of the football culture in Turkey, where the sport holds immense significance. Football is deeply ingrained in Turkish society, and fans are known for their unwavering support and enthusiasm. The media plays a crucial role in fueling this passion by providing extensive coverage of every aspect of the game.
Campbell’s experience in Turkey sheds light on the unique dynamics between players, clubs, and the media in different football cultures. While some may find the intense coverage overwhelming, others thrive under the pressure and use it as motivation to excel on the field.
The ratings system at Trabzonspor also raises questions about the effectiveness of such practices in improving player performance. While receiving feedback and evaluations can be beneficial for players’ development, it is essential to strike a balance between constructive criticism and undue pressure. The constant scrutiny of training sessions may create a stressful environment that could hinder players’ growth and confidence.
Overall, Kevin Campbell’s revelation about the ratings system at Trabzonspor provides an intriguing insight into the unique football culture in Turkey. The intense media coverage and emphasis on training performances highlight the passion and dedication of Turkish football fans. While this approach may have its pros and cons, it undoubtedly adds an extra layer of excitement and pressure to the game.