- Campbell scored 50 goals in 160 games during a six-year spell at Goodison Park
- The 54-year-old began his career at boyhood club Arsenal and won five trophies
- Sunday league, grassroots, pub football… how Pep’s influence has trickled down the pyramid – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Former Everton and Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has been admitted to hospital after falling ill last week, according to reports.
The Toffees confirmed that the 54-year-old was ‘very unwell’ in a social media post on Sunday that lauded him as an ‘incredible person’.
‘We have been made aware our former striker Kevin Campbell is currently very unwell,’ a statement on the club’s X account read.
‘Not just a great footballer but an incredible person, Kevin is, and always has been, a fighter and we wish him and his family well at this challenging time. Sending all our love, Kevin Campbell].’
According to the Liverpool Echo, the ex-frontman has been hospitalised. Campbell established himself as a cult hero in Merseyside during his six-year spell at Goodison Park.
Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell has reportedly been admitted to hospital after falling ill last week
Everton confirmed that their former striker is ‘very unwell’ in a statement posted on the club’s X account
Campbell became a cult hero on Merseyside during a six-year stay at Goodison Park. (Pictured: Wayne Rooney on the shoulders of Campbell in October 2002)
Campbell scored 50 goals in 160 appearances for Everton, with many of his efforts helping to ensure that the club staved off the threat of relegation at the beginning of the millennium.
The forward also enjoyed success with his boyhood club Arsenal, where he won the FA Cup and League Cup while making more than 200 appearance for the Gunners.
Campbell was also part of the Gunners teams that clinched the Premier League and the European Cup Winners’ Cup. He spent 10 years in north London before departing for Nottingham Forest in 1995.
In all, Campbell scored 83 goals in 325 appearances in the top-flight and also turned out for Forest, West Brom, Cardiff, Leyton Orient and Leicester City. He also had a brief spell in Turkey with Trabzonspor after leaving the City Ground in 1998.
Well wishes from his former colleagues rushed in after news of his condition was announced, with all expressing concern and hope for a speedy recovery.
Gunners icon Ray Parlour said on X: ‘I hear my ex-team-mate Kevin Campbell is struggling at the moment.
‘All the football family are right behind you, Kev. I know you’re a strong character, mate.
Campbell started his career with Arsenal were he won five trophies including the FA and League Cup
‘Stay positive. I’m sure everyone is on your side trying to help you. Hopefully, you get well soon mate and you’ll be back flying as usual.’
Former QPR and Manchester City star Trevor Sinclair wrote: ‘Sending prayers, love & light to Kevin Campbell. Absolutely lovely human.’
