Kevin Campbell hails former Everton manager Walter Smith after he sadly passed away
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Kevin Campbell has hailed former Everton manager Walter Smith in a touching tribute after he passed away.
The 73-year-old was suffering from an illness, and on Tuesday, it was confirmed that he had sadly died.
Smith managed the Toffees for 155 games and has also been praised by Bill Kenwright [Everton’s official website].
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Campbell said: “[He was] a great man with class and character.
“He was the reason why I went to Everton, [he] came and got me from Turkey.
“I owe that man so much; he made me the first black captain of Everton, something I am very proud of and will take that to the grave with me.
“Even though there [were] difficult times, he didn’t get the support he needed or required, but he never moaned, he always got on with it, and he always demanded the best standards out of us.
“I am so pleased he played a part in my football career; he helped me immensely when I went to Goodison Park, and it’s really shocked me this news.
“I knew he wasn’t well, but I believe he was making a recovery.”
Lovely words from Campbell.
This is a fantastic tribute from Campbell for a wonderful football man who touched the lives of so many within the game.
He will be a great loss for everyone, and the tributes will probably come pouring in.
Now, he never had that much success with the Toffees, but he helped the club at a difficult time, and for that, we can’t imagine that Evertonians will ever forget him.
Campbell says some beautiful things about Smith, and it is very clear that the former Rangers manager had a huge impact on Campbell’s career and life.
Today is a very sad day, but in time, we will look back at everything Smith achieved and be grateful for what he did at Goodison Park but also in the wider football world.
However, now is the time for grieving, and we thank Campbell for providing us with this lovely tribute to a true legend of the game.
In other Everton news, Simon Jordan can see trouble ahead for Farhad Moshiri.
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