Former Everton and Arsenal striker ‘very unwell’ in hospital

Everton have said former striker Kevin Campbell is “very unwell” in hospital and sent a public message of support to the 54-year-old.

Ex-Toffees top scorer Campbell spent six years at Everton, having started his career by winning every major English trophy at Arsenal, as well as the 1993/94 European Cup Winners’ Cup.

“Not just a great footballer but an incredible person, Kevin is – and always has been – a fighter,” Everton said on social media. “We wish him and his family well at this challenging time. Sending all our love.”

We have been made aware our former striker Kevin Campbell is currently very unwell.

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,… pic.twitter.com/9uPfKZpxp0

— Everton (@Everton) June 2, 2024

A Gunners debutant in 1988, Campbell had loans spells at Leyton Orient and Leicester City before winning the top flight in 1990/91.

The former England under-21 international helped Arsenal win the FA Cup and League Cup in 1993 and moved to Nottingham Forest in 1995.

He scored 23 goals as Forest won the second tier in 1997/98 and preceded an initial loan spell at Everton with a brief period at Turkish club Trabzonspor.

Campbell scored nine times in eight Premier League matches during his temporary stay at Everton at the end of the 1998/99 campaign, duly making the move permanent.

The club’s fifth-highest Premier League scorer helped West Bromwich Albion stay in the division in 2006 and moved to Cardiff City later that year.

Campbell has worked as a pundit since retiring in 2007. His 24-year-old son, Tyrese, is a forward for Championship club Stoke City.

Liverpool replied to Everton’s announcement with a message of support, saying: “Everyone at LFC is sending their thoughts and best wishes.”