Neville Southall has received an outpouring of support after revealing on social media that he is taking a leave of absence from X due to ill health. The former Everton goalkeeper, 67, shared the news on Sunday morning, prompting concern and warm wishes from fans and former colleagues alike.
Career and advocacy
Southall, who also played for Bury and Torquay United during a distinguished three-decade career, won 92 caps for Wales and was named FWA Footballer of the Year in 1985. Beyond his achievements on the pitch, he has become an advocate for LGBT rights and other political causes.
The MBE holder posted: "Won't be on here for a bit not well."
Messages of support
The message triggered a wave of supportive responses from across the footballing world. Former Wales team-mate Iwan Roberts wrote: "Bless you Nev get better soon big man." Wales fan group The Barry Horns posted: "We love you Nev." BBC colleague Marc Webber said: "Get well soon, fella." Journalist Daniel Storey added: "Keep well Nev, look after yourself x."
Dan Harvey said: "Wishing you well, Neville, the best goalkeeper in the world when I was growing up, but far more importantly, a really good, kind person and a voice of reason on here these days." Anthony Robbins added: "Best of luck big man, we are all with you, we are one, we are Everton."
Paul Steer wrote: "Get well soon Nev! Absolute legend and I say that as someone who never supported any of the clubs you played for." Amàdan commented: "Best wishes, Neville. A hero to many Evertonians. The best to ever do it. Look after yourself big man."
Club career and recent health
Southall made well over 500 league appearances for Everton, where he stayed from 1981 to 1998. During that time he won the First Division twice, two FA Cups, and the European Cup Winners' Cup.
The Llandudno-born goalkeeper began his career at Bury before representing Stoke City, Bradford City, and several other clubs, eventually ending his playing days at Dagenham and Redbridge. Since retiring, he has been a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and LGBT rights.
Concerns over his well-being have grown in recent times. Last summer, Southall was taken to hospital after contracting an infection, which resulted in him being placed on an intravenous drip. He posted at the time: "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."
The details surrounding his latest health scare have yet to be revealed, but he is likely to receive an inundation of well-wishes from throughout the football community.
