GEORGE GRAHAM pays an emotional tribute to Kevin Campbell, a man who was popular as he was talented – and recalls his final meeting with the former Arsenal and Everton star

I was on my way back from Spain on Saturday when Arsenal let me know the awful news about Kevin.

The last time I saw him also happened to be near Marbella. Walking down the street, I heard this shout of ‘Boss’ and there was Kevin with his wife, one of his children and that trademark big smile. I’m particularly thinking of his family now.

Kevin was key to the success we had at Arsenal. He got the maximum from his ability and I mean that as a huge compliment because football is about winning, and he won a heck of a lot.

Arsenal had good forwards at the time: Alan Smith, Paul Merson, Andy Cole, Paul Dickov, later on Ian Wright. But it was never a difficult decision to pick Kevin, even as a youngster.

He was talented, strong, honest, had a good attitude and gave everything. He was only 21 when we won the league in 1990-91, losing only one game, and he scored double figures that season.

‘The last time I saw Kevin Campbell was near Marbella. I heard this shout of ‘Boss’ and there was Kevin with his wife, one of his children and that trademark big smile’

Former Arsenal and Everton star Campbell passed away aged 54 in hospital on Saturday

Kevin also started in the 1994 European Cup-Winners’ Cup final but his best game was the semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain.

All the talk beforehand was about PSG glory boy David Ginola, but after a 1-1 draw in Paris, Kevin was outstanding at Highbury and headed the only goal.

He was stocky and physically imposing — perfect for a centre forward. It was no surprise when he left Arsenal that he became a hero at other clubs, including Everton. He deserved all the success he got. 

I was big on discipline, and Kevin was easy to coach. He had this huge personal motivation and was popular among all the boys. The plaudits we got were due to our team ethic and I’m sure Alan (Smith) and Ian (Wright) loved having ‘Super Kev’ there helping them to score goals.