Football League World
·3 September 2024
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·3 September 2024
Kevin Campbell’s 1989 loan move from Arsenal to Leyton Orient was a roaring success and one that set him on a successful career path.
Although Kevin Campbell enjoyed a career at some of English football's greatest clubs, his spell at Leyton Orient in 1989 was one that set him and the club up for success.
The late Kevin Campbell will always be remembered for his infectious personality and his goal-scoring exploits on the pitch.
Having come through the academy at Arsenal, the striker forged a career path at the likes of Everton and Nottingham Forest, but it was his spell at Orient that propelled Campbell to greatness.
Despite only being at the club for 16 games during the 1988/89 season, the forward helped the London club to one of their most famous seasons in history.
At 18 years of age, Campbell had vast potential but faced a difficult test in breaking into Arsenal's team. Despite major interest, fourth division side, Orient, seized the opportunity and pulled off a major coup in bringing the striker to the club.
Having joined on a three-month loan deal, the striker made his debut for Orient in a 2-1 defeat to Crewe Alexandra. Despite the loss, Campbell bagged his first goal on his debut for the club.
During his three months at the club, Campbell made a significant impact on the pitch and contributed nine goals in sixteen matches. His immense performances and eye for goal were duly recognised, and the forward was rewarded with the Hackney Gazette's 'player of the month award'.
After Orient's loss to Crewe, the London club were in 16th position, but with Campbell at the helm, the side remarkably climbed up the table to finish the season in sixth position. Without his goals, their play-off finish would not have been possible.
Although Campbell had already returned to Arsenal following his loan, the club were victorious in the play-off final and defeated Wrexham over two legs.
Campbell's contributions will always be remembered as he played a pivotal role in the O's famous season.
Campbell's stint at Orient set him on a path to stardom and must be viewed as the most pivotal move in his early career.
The young Englishman returned to Highbury and forced his way into Arsène Wenger's plans. Campbell remained in North London until 1995, when he secured a move to Nottingham Forest. During his time at Arsenal, the forward scored 55 goals in 212 appearances.
Over Campbell's career, he scored 159 goals in 565 games before retiring in 2007, after he was released by Cardiff City.
Despite his exploits in English football's top flight, Campbell held the unwanted record of most goals scored in the Premier League by an Englishman without being capped.
Earlier this summer, the Englishman passed away following a short illness at the age of 54.
Kevin Campbell enjoyed an illustrious career at some of English football's greats, including Arsenal, Forest and Everton.
However, it was at Orient where the striker made a name for himself with nine goals in 16 matches.