Yahoo News West Bromwich Albion pay tribute to Kevin Campbell, hero of the great escape
Kevin Campbell, the former West Bromwich Albion striker, has died at the age of 54.
Campbell was admitted to hospital earlier this month and his death has been announced this morning. He had been working regularly as a pundit on the Premier League up until last month, appearing regularly on Radio 5Live and particularly the Friday Night Football show with Darren Fletcher.
He had made his name as a player coming through the ranks at Arsenal, where he won the top flight title, FA Cup and League Cup. He went on to help Nottingham Forest win the Division One title and promotion to the Premier League in 1998 before becoming a fans' favourite at Everton too.
He was brought into West Brom on a free transfer by Bryan Robson in January 2005 at the age of 34. At that point, Albion were rock bottom of the Premier League - and had only won once in 22 matches in all to start the season, with 16 left to play.
Campbell would score three crucial goals over the next few months, in 2-0 wins over Manchester City and Birmingham and a dramatic 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, who they would ultimately finish ahead of by one point as they stayed up on the final day of the season.
Albion said in a statement: "West Bromwich Albion are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Campbell, aged 54.
"The striker signed for the Baggies midway through the 2004/05 Premier League campaign, playing a leading role to help the club complete the ‘Great Escape’.
"In total, Campbell made 49 appearances across all competitions during his 18-month stay at The Hawthorns, often captaining the side and scoring six goals.
"London-born Kevin began his career with Arsenal, before permanent switches to Nottingham Forest, Trabzonspor and Everton, joining Albion in January 2005. Campbell ended his playing days at Cardiff City, hanging up his boots after more than 500 professional matches and becoming a football pundit.
"Everyone at the club sends their deepest sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones at this terribly sad time."
Tributes have flooded in from across the football world.
Darren Fletcher, who worked with him closely for the BBC, said: "Absolutely devastated that Kevin Campbell has passed away. He’s been my mate since he joined Forest in 1995 and my colleague on the radio in more recent times. They called him ‘Super Kev’ - cos he was a beloved player. But he was Super Kev because he was a super bloke RIP mate."
Chris Sutton, a fellow BBC pundit, said: "Really awful news to hear of Kevin Campbell passing away. Kevin was a brilliant player and a superb fun guy. Thoughts and prayers go out to Kevin’s family."
Adrian Durham, the TalkSPORT presenter, said: "Kevin Campbell was such a good player - that spell when he first arrived at Everton was stunning. So it was then an honour to meet him & work with him & find out he was one of the loveliest people on the planet. But now taken too soon. RIP Kevin Campbell, thoughts with his family."
Geoff Shreeves, the Sky Sports reporter, added: "Terrible, terrible news. One of the loveliest, upbeat decent guys you could ever wish to meet. Thoughts with his family. RIP Super Kevin Campbell."
Pat Murphy, the veteran BBC reporter, said: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Kevin Campbell. Such an effervescent character. Brilliant player to interview. Hugely influential in the Great Escape for West Bromwich Albion. in 2004/5. They’ll not forget him at the Hawthorns or any of his other clubs. RIP Kevin."
A statement from the England team said: "We are devastated to learn that Kevin Campbell has passed away aged 54. 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."
A statement from the Premier League said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Campbell, the former Arsenal, Nott'm Forest, Everton and West Brom striker Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin's family, friends and those associated with the clubs he played for."
A statement from the EFL said: "Football has lost an icon in Kevin Campbell. The Football League Division One title and an EFL Cup were among his incredible list of achievements. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues."
Arsenal said in a statement: "We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness. 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"
Everton said: "Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54. 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."
Cardiff City said: "All of us at Cardiff City are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former striker, Kevin Campbell. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Kevin's friends and family at this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin."
Gary Lewin, the former Arsenal physio, said: "Just heard the devastating news that Kevin Campbell has sadly passed away. One of the nicest people I could ever wish to meet. Privileged and honoured to have known and work with him for many years. He was loved by all and will be missed. Thoughts with his family. RIP Kevin."
Tony Cottee said: "I am so devastated to hear the news of the passing of Kevin Campbell. The nicest man you could wish to meet and a fantastic player. Thoughts to his friends and family…. RIP Kev."
John Aldridge said: "Just seen Kevin Campbell has passed away. So sad what a lovely bloke!! He will be so sadly missed! I always enjoyed being in his company. My thoughts are with his family. RIP Topman."
