Everton hero Kevin Campbell has died aged 54

Everton great Kevin Campbell has died.

The striker, whose legendary spell in the latter stages of the 1998-99 campaign helped lift the Blues to safety, was 54.

Arsenal, where Campbell started his career, confirmed the tragic news this morning in a post on X: “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has passed away after a short illness. Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. We are all thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin.

News Campbell was battling a serious illness broke earlier this month, prompting an outpouring of heartfelt messages of support.

These poignant comments were shared by former teammates, his old clubs and many supporters who have grown to love a player who has remained popular beyond his playing career.

They included a statement from Everton, which said: “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 difficult time.”

Campbell arrived at Goodison Park on loan from Turkish side Trabzonspor in the spring of 1999, with the club’s Premier League status in jeopardy. His tally of nine goals in five games steered the Blues to safety and paved the way for a permanent move.

In total, the former Arsenal and Nottingham Forest star scored 51 goals in 164 appearances for Everton, including a fourth-minute Merseyside derby winner against Liverpool on 27 September 1999. It is a result that remains the more recent Blues success at Anfield. in front of supporters.