Ket behind SuperKev
A review of what Kevin Campbell still means to Everton...

27 February 2002

After a whole host of articles written recently about Walter Smith's blatant incompetencies and articles regarding the dire state of our great club, I thought it would make a change to focus on players — notably our team captain, Kevin Campbell, who I feel has been receiving some unfair criticism from the fans this season.

As everyone will be aware, Campbell almost single handedly saved us from relegation (after Smith had made such a mess in his first season despite spending £20 million).  He came at the start of April 1999 when we were 18th, formed an excellent partnership with Jeffers and scored 9 goals in 8 games, eventually lifting us to 14th in the table.  He immediately struck a rapport with the fans, cementing his place in Goodison folklore.  He scored 12 goals the following season but, since then, his injury problems and Smith's failure to adequately replace our more creative players like Barmby and Hutchison, have understandably taken their toll.

There was renewed hope this season that Campbell could form a partnership with the pacey Radzinski similar to the one he enjoyed with Jeffers.  Indeed, Campbell scored 4 goals in our first 8 matches and the only 3 times that he and Radzinski played together (against West Ham, Aston Villa, and Newcastle), Everton scored 9 goals and the partnership looked impressive.

I am not suggesting that Campbell is still anything like he was 3 seasons ago.  Even his most ardent supporters would have to agree that he has lost a yard of pace, has missed some more than easy chances and seems extremely sluggish.  Of course much of the blame though for his performances must be laid at the hands of clueless Smith.  Campbell is essentially a target man and to play upfront on your own requires an all round game with pace the most vital ingredient (which Superkev does not possess) and quality midfield players.

He is not as good a player as he was but to suggest that he doesn't put any effort in is extremely unfair.  He is probably one of the nicest people in football and I can assure you he is as determined to Everton's cause as much as anybody.  To the naked eye, I can understand fans' frustrations, arguing that he cannot hold the ball up and that he just trots around chasing lost causes.  His body language seems to suggest that fans' frustrations affect him in a negative way rather than gee him into action.  He is a player who thrives on support and anyone could see he had a much better game on Tuesday evening with someone playing up front with him.

I am fearful that constant baiting of Campbell will result him to turn his back on the club and the hero that he has been for us surely does not deserve the treatment he is receiving at present.  My call is for all Evertonians to get behind SuperKev even if he is having a poor game as I believe supporting him will do his game (and subsequently our season) a whole lot of good.

Mik Unadkat

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