Neville Southall has been inundated with messages of support after the former Everton and Wales goalkeeper posted a health update on social media. The 67-year-old, who also played for Bury and Torquay in a career spanning three decades, made the announcement through his personal account on Sunday.
Writing on X (formerly known as Twitter), Southall wrote: "Won't be on here for a bit not well." The post, which did not provide clarity on the severity of his illness, prompted an outpouring of support, with Wales supporters' group The Barry Horns leading messages, writing: "We love you Nev."
Former team-mates send well-wishes
Former Wales team-mate Iwan Roberts added: "Bless you Nev get better soon big man." Journalist Daniel Storey wrote: "Keep well Nev, look after yourself x." BBC colleague Marc Webber said: "Get well soon, fella."
The post garnered almost 1,000 comments within just a matter of hours.
Career highlights and caps
The 67-year-old earned 92 caps for his country and was at one point widely regarded as the finest goalkeeper of his generation before hanging up his gloves in 2002. He also racked up well over 500 league appearances for Everton, remaining at Goodison Park from 1981 to 1998.
The Llandudno-born stopper had previously featured for Bury and later had stints at Stoke City and Bradford City, among others, bringing his playing days to a close at Dagenham and Redbridge.
Recent health concerns
Since retiring, he has been a vocal champion of mental health awareness and LGBT rights, though concerns over his own well-being have grown in recent times. Southall was taken to hospital last summer after contracting an infection, which resulted in him being placed on an intravenous drip.
"Not talking a break from here in hospital with a couple of drips due to bad infection sorry any I was supposed to meet and work for this weekend," he posted at the time.
The details surrounding his most recent health concern remain unclear, but there is little doubt he will receive an outpouring of support from throughout the football community.
