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Sad day for English football as ex-footballer Kevin Campbell dies aged 54

It is a sad day for English football as ex-footballer Kevin Campbell dies aged 54, weeks after he was admitted to hospital.

Everton revealed earlier this month that became ill in May, and became “very unwell” in hospital, with Mail Sport writing that his health issues began with a stroke suffered a few months ago, then developed kidney failure and his weight had dropped to nine stone by the time of his death.

He tried to be positive despite his declining health, even messaging old Arsenal teammates saying to them that he was fine.

But understandably they are left heartbroken by the news of his passing on Saturday morning.

It was confirmed by Campbell’s management, as they posted on Twitter: “Wow this one really hurts. Rest easy KC a true friend and gentleman. Thoughts with Kevs 2 boys and the rest of his family.”

Ex-Nottingham Forest teammate Mark Crossley also confirmed that Campbell has sadly passed away, in a statement on Twitter.

He said: “Life can be so cruel at times Absolutely devastated with news of my ex forest team mate Kevin Campbell’s passing, a true gentleman, a great player, a shining light of a dressing room, fun-loving guy, thoughts are with all his family and friends RIP mate.”

His son Tyrese Campbell has said: “I appreciate my Dad was admired by many & the outpouring of love has been some comfort for us as a family, so thank you for that at such a difficult time.

“The pain of this is indescribable and as a son you look at your Dad as invincible. He is my idol, the one who I wanted to be when I grew up.

“He was the life and soul of every party and room he blessed, a one in a million person that was loved by everyone, a special special person. I’ll miss you Dad.

“I would now ask that the privacy of our family is respected as we mourn the loss of an irreplaceable Father, Brother, Uncle and all round amazing human being. Love you always Dad.”

It comes on the same morning that it was announced that Millwall keeper Matija Sarkic had also died.

Everton said in a statement via their website: “Everyone at Everton Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the Club’s most popular and much-loved former strikers, Kevin Campbell, at the age of 54.

“Not just a true Goodison Park hero and huge fans’ favourite, Kevin was the Blues’ first black captain and also an incredible person, as anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him would know.

“His contribution to Everton Football Club, however, extends way beyond statistics.

“One of the most popular men to ever wear the royal blue jersey, he remains an icon amongst Evertonians and was the perfect ambassador who always thoroughly enjoyed returning to Goodison Park in a media capacity or to cheer on the Toffees as a fan.

“Kevin was always afforded the warmest of welcomes when he returned to Merseyside – and quite right, too.

“He was a giant of a man, a fabulous footballer and he will be sorely missed by everyone fortunate enough to know him.

“The thoughts of everyone at Everton are with his family at this extremely sad time and we will, of course, pay a suitable tribute when next season kicks off.”

Campbell, who rose from Arsenal’s youth system, made his debut in 1988, then had loan spells at Leyton Orient and Leicester City, before becoming an integral part of Arsenal’s 1990-91 league winning squad.

He played a role in helping the Gunners secure the FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993, as well as the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.

Then following his time at Nottingham Forest and Trabzonspor in Turkey, Campbell joined Everton on loan in March 1999.

He netted nine goals in the last eight Premier League matches which helped prevent Everton’s relegation.

Subsequently, Campbell made a permanent move to Everton that summer and remained with the club for over five seasons.

He ended his professional career with stints at West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City, accumulating a total of 148 goals from 542 appearances.

Since retiring, Campbell has been actively involved in the media as a pundit for various media outlets.

CAMPBELL’S CAREER:

Youth career
1985–1988 – Arsenal

Senior career
1988–1995 – Arsenal – 213 games (59 goals)
1989 → Leyton Orient (loan) – 16 games (9 goals)
1989 → Leicester City (loan) – 11 games (5 goals)
1995–1998 – Nottingham Forest – 82 games (31 goals)
1998–1999 – Trabzonspor – 18 games (5 goals)
1999–2005 – Everton – 151 games (39 goals)
2005–2006 – West Bromwich Albion – 49 games (6 goals)
2006–2007 – Cardiff City – 20 games (0 goals)

International career
1990–1992 – England U21 – 4 games (1 goal)
1991 – England B – 1 game (0 goals)

More tributes were paid on what is a sad day for English football as ex-footballer Kevin Campbell dies aged 54…

@nffcoyr: Today is such a sad day. RIP to Kevin Campbell. My wishes go to his family and friends.

@Mossi28: Very sad to hear the news about Kevin Campbell, instrumental part of our great escape season and an absolute gentleman. RIP Kev

@elliot_stoney56: What shit news to wake up to. Rest in Peace Kevin Campbell & Matija Sarkic. Both far too young 🙏🌹

@JasonCrane272: RIP Kevin Campbell. One of my early memories of supporting arsenal and the Premier league. #arsenal #legend

@SteJDUFitness: Sad news in football world today with the young Millwall keeper and legend Kevin Campbell both passing away RIP to both ♥️

@ZHollowayyy: Kevin Campbell and Matija Sarkic in one day. Football has taken a beating after the elation of the opening of the Euro’s. Rest in peace both 😔

@IanParfitt: Very sad morning for football. RIP Kevin Campbell 🙏

@TheLifeOfMadge: RIP Super Kevin Campbell!…. Proper gent and a damn good striker. You’ll be missed as a bloke and pundit #dickiebowdays

@Bloomsefc1878: Fucking hell, just heard about Kevin Campbell. RIP Super Kev, devastated!

@knagberi: The news about Kevin Campbell is tough to take. RIP Super Kev. One of my heroes.

@_ChuBarker: What a sad day for football 😔 Gutted to hear about the passing of Matija Sarkic and Kevin Campbell, both were far too young to be leaving us. 🙏

@adbennoEFC: Absolutely gutted to hear about Kevin Campbell. Brilliant footballer and brilliant fella. On a night in out in town a few years ago he was in the same bar. Somehow ended up having a few pints with him and had a right laugh. What a guy he was. RIP Super Kev 💙

@James_D89: Will never forget his loan spell 1999. I was only 10 at the time and I couldn’t believe who this goal scoring machine from Turkey was? Match of the Day loved him and talked extensively about him. Kevin Campbell and that loan spell made a huge lasting impression on me. #efc

@ArsenalSea: RIP Kevin Campbell. I loved watching him. He always played with such enthusiasm and power. Some great goals and loved by everyone. Gone way too young. His beaming smile in the bruised banana shirt he wore with such pride is how I’ll always remember him.

@DanBellis88: Ahh man 😔 Kevin Campbell was one of the first Everton players I got on the back of my shirt. I had the pleasure of meeting the man himself twice at sportsman evenings and he was just the nicest person who had stories and time for everyone. Rest in peace ‘Super Kev’ 💙

@EvertonRuth2: I am so sad to hear that Kevin Campbell has died. He was a great player who stepped in when we needed a hero. After he retired I loved interacting with him here. So positive, so joyful especially on Dickie Bow Thursdays. Love and prayers to his family, what a loss he is for you.

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