Everton hero shares well being replace on social media as well-wishes shared
A Premier League icon has received support from across the footballing world after he shared a health update on social media.
Neville Southall, 67, who turned out for Everton, Bury and Torquay United during a career spanning three decades, made the announcement on Sunday morning. Posting on social media, he wrote: “Won’t be on here for a bit not well.”
His message was met with an outpouring of support from the football community, with many sending their well-wishes to the Welsh icon. Wales fan group The Barry Horns posted: “We love you Nev.”
Neville Southall is an Everton hero(Image: Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images)
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Ex-Wales team-mate Iwan Roberts chimed in with: “Bless you Nev get better soon big man.” Journalist Daniel Storey added: “Keep well Nev, look after yourself x.”
BBC colleague Marc Webber said: “Get well soon, fella.” Southall’s post quickly garnered almost 1,000 comments within just a few hours.
The Llandudno-born star earned 92 caps for Wales and was once hailed as the finest goalkeeper of his generation before hanging up his gloves in 2002.
He also clocked up over 500 league appearances for Everton, remaining at Goodison Park from 1981 to 1998. After a stint at Bury, he went on to play for Stoke City and Bradford City among others, ending his career at Dagenham and Redbridge.
Since retiring, Southall has been a vocal advocate for mental health and LGBT rights, although his own health has been a cause for concern in recent years.
Southall was hospitalised last summer following an infection, which left him on an 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.
