Sol Campbell has revealed his frustration in attempting to carve out a career for himself after football, blaming broadcasters and his former club Arsenal.

The former England and Gunners defender told Standard Sport that his efforts to both work as a TV pundit and break into coaching had been blocked. He was a pundit for Arsenal's Champions League qualifier against Besiktas in August but has since struggled to find media work and believes he is too outspoken for the industry.

Campbell, 40, said: "Sometimes they [broadcasters] don't want people to be straight with the viewers - they want people to beat around the bush and if you don't do that they don't want you.

"They want monotone, easy on the eye, be-careful-what-you-say type of pundits," he said.

"They want 'magnolia' pundits. You know that bland colour of paint they use to paint walls when you rent a place out. Bland, so you don't offend anyone."

Campbell, who helped lead the club to two Premier League titles and three FA Cup crowns from 2001-2006, has also tried to take his coaching badges and sought help from Arsenal but said his requests for help from those at Emirates Stadium have fallen on deaf ears.

He claimed the Gunners had failed to respond to and is considering contacting another of his former clubs for help.

He added: "I've tried to do my coaching badges at Arsenal but they've not got back to me. I asked if I could do some of my badges there and I've had a few texts, but they've not got back to me with a firm offer to return. I'm disappointed.

"I talked to the other coaches and they're fine, but I went out to Andries Jonker [Arsenal academy coach] and he hasn't got back to me. Is it rude? I don't know.

"He's the head guy, the other coaches are fine but he's the head guy and I've got to go through him to make sure I don't tread on anyone toes but I haven't heard back.

"I'm talking about going to Arsenal once or twice a week for a couple of hours just to learn a bit about a coaching role - that's all - but I've heard nothing.

He added: "It's a shame. Look at the way they failed to utilise people like Patrick Vieira in the past. I'm disappointed but you just have to get on with it. I would have loved to do my badges at Arsenal but it looks like I'll have to go to another club to do them. Maybe I should get myself down to Portsmouth and do them there."

An Arsenal spokesman said: "We are more than happy to help Sol in gaining his qualifications and will provide him with coaching time when we can organise convenient dates."

Campbell was speaking on behalf of football addicts. Visit www.footballaddicts.com for more information on the free-to-use Forza Football and Forza 90' apps which are revolutionising the way fans engage with the sport they love.

Layth Yousif is the author of Arsene Wenger: 50 Defining Fixtures. Buy it here.