- Kevin Campbell, who played for both Arsenal and the Blues, passed away today following a brief illness, according to sad news.
The 54-year-old center striker, who played for Everton more than 150 times, passed away soon after receiving a diagnosis of an undisclosed ailment, according to confirmation from both teams.
Campbell’s role to the Toffees’ success in the 1998–1999 season was crucial, making him one of the most significant players to don the renowned royal blue shirt in recent memory.
Relegation was once again a threat for the Blues, who were fighting for their lives at Goodison Park when the former striker for Nottingham Forest and Arsenal joined in April 1999.
Walter Smith’s team has seen its position in the Premiership table decline, contributing to a seemingly never-ending theme of uncertainty about the club’s future and another season of on-field struggles.
After so many near-misses in the 1990s and two epic tales of last-minute survival, all the momentum seemed to be pulling them down. Nothing is altered!
I recall that when he signed, there was considerable question as to whether he could still score goals in the English premier league following a disastrous stint in Turkey, but Campbell quickly proved his skeptics wrong.
Nine goals in five games, including a hat-trick in the Grand Old Lady’s six-point rout of West Ham United, helped the Toffees escape with a week to spare.
Then, in the opening derby of the next season at Anfield, the Londoner sealed his immortality in Everton legend by scoring the game’s winning goal. I can still clearly remember watching that match in a Liverpool pub.
Naturally, until Carlo Ancelotti’s team triumphed two to none in the 2020–21 campaign, that was the last time the Blues had won at the longtime foe.
But unlike in 1999, Ancelotti’s victory was somewhat bittersweet because no supporters were present to celebrate the event.
Before eventually leaving the Toffees to play for West Bromwich Albion, whom he also assisted in avoiding relegation, Campbell scored 51 goals in total for the team.
When Campbell joined Everton, few players in history have had such an immediate and significant impact. The club would have lost that season nearly without a doubt if he had not signed.
And he now adds his name to the lengthy line of renowned Blues center-forwards who have made an impression at Goodison Park, including Graeme Sharp, Bob Latchford, Tommy Lawton, and the legendary Dixie Dean.
Peace be with you, Super Kev.
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