KYLE Campbell is already making his name for himself at Mossley AFC, with lessons from his Premier League star father ringing in his ears.
The Lilywhites’ new striker is the son of former Arsenal and Everton player Kevin, who established himself as one of the top flight’s finest.
A Football League winner in 1991, in the days before the Premier League with the Gunners, he also won the FA Cup and League Cup in 1993 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.
Kevin also won the Football League’s First Division title, now the Championship, with Nottingham Forest in 1998.
Playing alongside the likes of Alan Smith and Ian Wright at Arsenal, he formed a partnership with Duncan Ferguson at Everton.
When a then 16-year-old Wayne Rooney burst on to the scene in 2002, he was there.
Now the teachings of his dad, who died in June 2024, are being put to use at Seel Park as a double Play-Off bid is on the agenda – for him at Mossley and brother Tyrese at Sheffield United.
Kyle, on loan from Radcliffe for the season, said: “My old man used to say, ‘It’s either centre forward or play a winger. Anywhere else, further down the pitch, that’s not really for you.’
“He said either right wing or striker. I played right wing, but I’m more of a natural striker. If I’d said I want to be a goalkeeper or defender, he would have been like, ‘Oh, come on, son.’
“He would have still been supportive, but at the same time, he would have been a bit like, ‘OK, right, I’ve got to try and change him now.’
“Dad was fairly modest. If you spoke to him and asked him questions, he would tell you. He told me loads of stories about how he won trophies.
“He used to speak to me about it all the time if I’d bring it up. He used to love beating Spurs because obviously he’s a Gunner, isn’t he?
“He used to love talking football and I didn’t have to look far for inspiration.
“I’ve obviously watched his clips and seen him play live. I’ve been inspired by him my whole life and the more I’ve played and worked hard, I can see myself getting closer and closer to where I want to be in football.
“I can see myself getting closer to where he was.
“He had a great career. It’s going to be hard to even get near the accolades he got, but if I can get anywhere near that and just touch where he was, I’ll be very happy and pleased with that.”
Campbell has already made a impact since linking up with Alex Craddock’s squad, scoring as the NPL West Division side defeated local rivals Curzon Ashton, who play in the division above, 5-3 on penalties to retain the Willow Wood Cup after drawing 2-2.
He has also bought into the club off the field and seeing how Mossley are fervently backed appealed to him.
Kyle added: “I’ve really enjoyed it. The fans have shown me a lot of respect. They’ve been nice to me, spoke to me and I speak to them back.
“I enjoy every club I go to, but there’s something about Mossley that I really like. It’s a welcoming club.
“It’s a family-orientated club as well, so I’m all for that. When I found out about Mossley coming in for me, I was happy.
“I actually played them for Droylsden last summer and I could see how the fans were towards the players. They’re supportive to the end.
“And all I heard this time was encouragement from them.
“It was tough against Curzon as they’re at a higher level, so they have the ball for longer. They make less mistakes with the ball, but we’ve got our shape.
“Alex implemented this plan into the game. We sat back and just waited to pounce on the mistakes. It worked.”
Mossley begin their league campaign against Clitheroe on Tuesday, August 11 after an FA Cup extra preliminary round tie at Silsden on Saturday, August 8 and Kyle makes no secret of his aims.
Goals and a play-off place. Seeing Tyrese do similar with Sheffield United would go down nicely.
He told The Correspondent: “Every striker aims for double figures in goals and ideally double figures in assists because I like to also assist players as well.
“I get the thrill from both, not just scoring. I like to set up my own team-mates.
“Obviously get play-offs as well. I think it’s a great achievement for the fans. I can’t remember the last time Mossley got a play-off.
“Sheffield United have a big season coming up too and Ty’s He’s looking to play his par
“I think we both help each other and I look up to Ty because he’s an older brother.
“He tells me and I listen. If I could show him my clips from my game, he would always have something to say – what I could do better and something that I did really well.
“Two play-off campaigns for us brothers would be really good.”