Former Arsenal and Everton hero Kevin Campbell ‘admitted to hospital’

• 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. 

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. 

His early heroics for the Toffees came under the management of Walter Smith, who initially brought the striker in on loan. Reflecting on the late manager’s passing in October 2021, Campbell told The Echo: ‘I didn’t want it to end like that, I was enjoying Turkey but I needed to be playing.’

‘I was an experienced player and Everton just seemed to be a perfect fit. Walter Smith spoke to my agent and asked “what’s the chance we can get him over?”.

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‘I think there were five clubs in for me and I heard Everton and that was it, I didn’t need to hear any more, and Walter loved that part. I built a relationship with him very quickly, and I think you could see that with the performances in the team.’

‘He made me captain as well, the first black captain of Everton, which is something that I’m so proud, and he was instrumental in all the good parts for me so I cannot thank him enough.’

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. 

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. 

‘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.’

Liverpool legend and childhood Evertonian Jamie Carragher replied to the Toffees’ social media post with a blue heart emoji, while the Reds’ official X account said: ‘Everyone at LFC is sending their thoughts and best wishes, @1KevinCampbell.’ 

Former QPR and Manchester City star Trevor Sinclair wrote: ‘Sending prayers, love & light to Kevin Campbell. Absolutely lovely human.’

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.