I remember vividly the massive disappointment I felt on reading we'd signed Kevin Campbell, pre-transfer window days, in late March 1999. Another dire season, my first as a season ticket holder, looked like it was finally going to bring relegation. Pre-season optimism was tempered on the first day of the season when John Spencer started up front in place of an injured Duncan Ferguson, and Ferguson's controversial sale to Newcastle in November 1998 made sure optimism would not show its face again for some time.
A perceived over-the-hill Campbell's debut ended in defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in a very good Derby match (that I've never seen again as we lost!), but a late assist from Campbell offered a tantalising glimpse of what was to follow.
Actually, what immediately followed was a demoralising defeat to demotion rivals Sheffield Wednesday on a largely anonymous Campbell's home debut, and the shadow of relegation loomed ever larger.
Then, as if by magic, out of the dying embers of a bizarre mix of decent players and sub-par journeymen (French international Olivier Dacourt playing alongside Scott Gemmill, with World Cup winner Marco Materazzi partnering Craig Short at the back), a minor miracle unfolded before our eyes. Campbell netted 9 in the remaining 6 games, forming a formidable partnership with 'fox in the box' Franny Jeffers. Most memorable was his hatrick in a 6-0 victory over West Ham at Goodison in the last home game of the season, which preceded a superb night of celebration involving the excessive drunken singing of "Super Kevin Campbell" in various bars, restaurants and taxis around town.
98/99 cemented Kev's place in every Evertonian's heart. For me, they were halcyon days anyway. Good job, great friends, New Labour were still the dogs bollocks, met the wife, no kids, no responsibilities. Kevin Campbell was, and forever shall be, part of that narrative.
45 goals in 145 games for Everton doesn't come close to reflecting how good he was. A 1000 goals in 100 games wouldn't come close to telling you how thoroughly decent a human being he was.
I don't cry often, but I sobbed when I heard about Super Kev.
You dont get many heroes in life.
Thanks for everything mate.
