Kevin Campbell’s son Tyrese has paid an emotional tribute to his father following the Everton great’s death at the age of just 54, which has triggered a wave of tributes from across football

Kevin Campbell’s footballer son has paid a touching tribute to the Everton hero following his death at the age of 54.

The passing of Campbell, whose legendary spell at Goodison in the final stages of the 1998-99 campaign helped lift the Blues to safety, has been met by a wave of tributes from across the football world. His death, following a serious illness, was announced on Saturday morning.

His son, Tyrese Campbell, 24, who left Championship side Stoke City at the end of the season after his contract expired, is also a striker. Following the heartbreaking news of his father’s passing, he took to Instagram to share his feelings.

He wrote: “I appreciate my Dad was admired by many and the outpouring of love has been some comfort for us as a family, so thank you for that at such a difficult time.

“The pain of this is indescribable and as a son you look at your Dad as invincible. He is my idol, the one I wanted to be when I grew up.

“He was the life and soul of every party and room he blessed, a one in a million person that was loved by everyone, a special special person. I’ll miss you Dad [blue heart emoji].

“I would now ask that the privacy of our family is respect as we mourn the loss of an irreplaceable Father, Brother, Uncle and all round amazing human being. Love you always Dad [blue heart emoji].”

Everton have said plans will be drawn up for a tribute to the striker, a popular character across football beyond his playing career, for the start of next season. The club said: “Everyone at Everton Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the club’s most popular and much-loved former strikers, Kevin Campbell, at the age of 54.

“Not just a true Goodison Park hero and huge fans’ favourite, Kevin was the Blues’ first black captain and also an incredible person, as anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him would know.”

Meanwhile, Tony Adams, Campbell’s former Arsenal team-mate and captain, shared on social media: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart. An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us. Love you Super Kev, Skipper.”