Kevin’s Career
Kevin Campbell earned the nickname “Super Kev” during his professional footballing career, which spanned an incredible 19 years.
The nickname reflected Campbell’s mix of finesse, power and prowess as a striker, who consistently delivered important goals and impactful performances for his teams. Kevin was a rare striker who had the combination of speed and strength. Campbell possessed a powerful physical presence on the pitch. He used his strength and athleticism to dominate aerial battles and create scoring opportunities, further cementing his nickname.
His determination and dedication to the game mirrored superhero-like qualities, inspiring the “Super Kev” moniker among fans who recognised his contributions to his teams’ successes.
In 1985, At 15, Kevin joined Arsenal's youth setup. His talent was evident, and he soon became a standout player. In 1988, Campbell won the FA Youth Cup with Arsenal. His remarkable tally of 61 goals in 53 appearances showcased his goal-scoring prowess.
Kevin made his first-team debut for Arsenal at 18, against Everton. This debut marked the beginning of a successful tenure at Arsenal Football Club.
In 1989 Kevin was loaned to Leyton Orient and helped the club gain promotion. He scored 9 goals in 16 games.
The following season Kevin had a loan spell at Leicester City. Where he scored 5 goals in 11 appearances.
During the 1990-91 season, Kevin played a crucial role in Arsenal's title-winning campaign. He scored eight goals in ten games, significantly contributing to the team's success.
In the 1992-93 season, Kevin helped Arsenal achieve a historic FA Cup and League Cup double. This achievement made him part of one of the most successful teams in English football history.
The 1993-94 season saw Campbell play a pivotal role in Arsenal's European Cup Winners' Cup campaign. He scored the winner in the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain and played the full 90 minutes in the final against Parma, which Arsenal won 1-0.
In 1995, Campbell moved to Nottingham Forest. In the 96-97 season, Kevin scored 23 goals, helping Forest win the Division One title.
In 1997 Kevin moved to Trabzonspor, but his time in Turkey was short-lived and he left after just seven months.
In March 1999, Kevin joined Everton on loan. Scoring nine goals in his first eight games. His loan spell at Everton was made permanent in 1999.
Awarded team captain in 2001 becoming Everton's 1st black captain.
Saved Everton from relegation (became known as the Saviour of Goodison Park).
Campbell is Everton's fifth-highest Premier League goal-scorer.
2005, Campbell moved to West Bromwich Albion. He helped the club avoid relegation
Campbell signed for Cardiff City in 2006. He was released by the club in May 2007, marking the end of his playing career.
2007 – Kevin retired from professional Football
After retirement and up until his passing - Kevin embarked on a media career as a Sports Television Commentator and football pundit for Sky Sports, BBC Radio 5Live, Talk Sports, and Astro Super Sports
True to Kevin’s joie de vivre charismatic personality, whilst working as a TV pundit, he invented ‘Dickie Bow Thursday’ where every Thursday, he would be seen in a differing array of dickie bow ties. Kevin said “As a mark of respect to Lisa, I often wear the dickie bow and especially on Thursdays."