Tributes are being paid to former Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Everton and West Bromwich Albion player Kevin Campbell, who has passed away at the age of 54 after a short illness.
A powerful centre-forward, Campbell was in the Premier League from the start of the competition and played in 13 seasons, featuring in 325 matches, scoring 83 times and providing 37 assists.
Campbell began his Premier League career at Arsenal, and enjoyed his most prolific season in 1993/94 when, alongside Ian Wright, he scored 15 goals in 37 matches for the Gunners.
We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 15, 2024
Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Kevin ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Kiywyo7nTr
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) June 15, 2024
He moved to Forest in the summer of 1995, spending three seasons at the City Ground where he scored 35 goals in 97 appearances before joining Turkish side Trabzonspor.
Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Campbell.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) June 15, 2024
Kevin spent three seasons at #NFFC and was part of the side which earned promotion from the First Division as champions in 1998.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this… pic.twitter.com/mpHl1AyeTZ
Campbell returned to the Premier League with Everton, initially on loan in March 1999, with the Toffees battling to avoid relegation.
He netted nine goals in his first eight matches, winning the Premier League Player of the Month award for April 1999 and helping Everton stave off relegation. Campbell finished the season as the club's top scorer, the first of three such occasions he was the Toffees' leading marksman.
Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54.
— Everton (@Everton) June 15, 2024
Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well - as anyone who ever met him will know.
RIP, Super Kev. 💙
Campbell the trailblazer
The move to Everton was made permanent in the summer of 1999, and Campbell enjoyed a successful stint at Goodison Park, becoming the club’s first-ever black captain in January 2001, and scoring 45 goals.
He is the Toffees’ fifth-highest Premier League goalscorer, behind Romelu Lukaku, Duncan Ferguson, Tim Cahill and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev. Thinking of all his family and friends. Kev was a great team mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years. 💙 pic.twitter.com/h0MEQvTP3L
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) June 15, 2024
Campbell joined West Brom in January 2005 and scored three goals in 16 appearances, playing his part in the famous “great escape” as the Baggies became the first team that had been at the bottom of the table on Christmas Day to go on and avoid relegation.
We'll never forget you, Kev. 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/foyZndjtXg
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) June 15, 2024
The striker, who made his first senior appearance in 1988, ended his career at Cardiff City in 2007.
Campbell made four appearances for England Under-21s, and played once for England B.
We are devastated to learn that Kevin Campbell has passed away aged 54.
— England (@England) June 15, 2024
Kevin won four caps for our under-21s and represented our B team in the early 1990s.
Our thoughts are with Kevin's family, friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/KyGsRgcXii
Following his playing career, Campbell worked as a television pundit and a co-commentator, while his son, Tyrese Campbell, is a centre-forward for Stoke City.
Everyone at the Premier League sends their condolences to Kevin’s family, friends and those associated with the clubs he played for during this difficult time.
