Kevin Campbell: 1970-2024

In November 1989, when he was only 19, Kevin was signed by City Manager David Pleat on loan from Arsenal for a period of three months. He had made two substitute appearances for the Gunners and, earlier that season, he had been on loan at Leyton Orient. 

His impact in those three months at Leicester was enormous. When he arrived at Filbert Street, injury-hit Leicester City were 22nd in the old Second Division. Having won only two of their first 16 league matches, the Foxes’ fortunes improved immediately once Kevin was in the side. He was an ever-present in the team throughout his loan spell, playing in 11 league matches. He scored five goals and was a key factor in the Club winning seven league games and rising to 15th in the table. He also scored in the Full Members Cup tie against Charlton Athletic. 

As a striker, he held the ball up well, was good in the air and had a famously powerful shot. He quickly became a firm favourite of the fans, who were sorry to see him return to Highbury at the end of his loan period, despite Pleat’s efforts to sign him permanently. 

Back at Arsenal, and with the ex-Leicester City player Alan Smith as a team-mate, he went on to become an England Under-21s international, and won the old First Division title, the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the European Cup Winners Cup. Later in his career, he sealed promotion to the top flight with Nottingham Forest and played for Gordon Milne for Trabzonspor before spending six seasons at Everton followed by spells at West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City, later retiring in February 2007.   

Ali Mauchlen, who was Leicester City’s captain during Kevin’s time at Filbert Street, today (Saturday) paid this tribute to Kevin. “It was a pleasure to play with Kevin,” he said. “He arrived from Arsenal along with Paul Moran from Spurs. They were both young and exciting players who lifted the Club. Kevin especially had great charisma and a smile that lit up the dressing room. Sadly we have lost another wonderful person. Rest in peace, Kevin.”

Everyone at Leicester City extends our heartfelt condolences to Kevin’s family and friends at this sad time.