It was a few years ago that Kevin Campbell was reminiscing about his famous winner at Anfield for Everton.
“I remember seeing the Blues in the Kop end celebrating the goal,” said the former Toffees striker. “I will take that memory to my grave.”
It is with great sadness that day has come all too soon for ‘Super Kev’ but it is one of the great memories that will also stay with Blues fans forever, too. He has left a lot with them and every club he played for will remember him with great fondness.
The news that the ex-Arsenal and Everton front man passed away at the age of just 54 stunned football. It had emerged recently that he was seriously ill but it still hit hard when his death was confirmed by the clubs he had starred for.
Described by many as effervescent and a gentleman as tributes poured in after his death, he was known for being warm and humble which came across in his punditry. ‘Super Kev’ really was a super man as well as a fine footballer.
“I wished him well, I was just happy we got the win and you leave those things on the pitch,” he said in an interview in 2021. It was a mark of the man that there was no confrontation. He went on to become Everton’s first black captain. They’ll never forget him on the blue half of Merseyside as he left with 51 goals after six years.
Campbell, whose son Tyrese played with Stoke City until this summer, also had spells at West Brom, who he also helped survive relegation, and Cardiff where he retired in 2007. A career as a TV pundit followed along with a short stint running a record label but he was warmly welcomed back at every stadium he visited.