Neville Southall Steps Back From X, Citing Ill Health

The Post

Neville Southall, the former Everton and Wales goalkeeper, told followers on X on Sunday morning that he was stepping away from the platform because he was unwell.

His message read in full: "Won't be on here for a bit not well."

Southall is 67. The nature of the health issue has not been made public, and Wales Online reported that it is not yet known.

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Messages Of Support

The post drew almost 1,000 comments within a few hours, according to the Daily Star and Wales Online.

Former Wales team-mate Iwan Roberts wrote: "Bless you Nev get better soon big man." The Barry Horns, a Wales fan group, posted: "We love you Nev." Journalist Daniel Storey wrote: "Keep well Nev, look after yourself x," and BBC colleague Marc Webber added: "Get well soon, fella."

The Daily Mirror also carried messages from members of the public. One, 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."

The Career Behind The Name

Southall was born in Llandudno, north Wales, and won 92 caps for his country. He was, the Daily Star and Wales Online write, considered at one stage the finest goalkeeper of his generation. He retired in 2002.

He made well over 500 league appearances for Everton, staying at the club's Goodison Park ground from 1981 to 1998. The Daily Mirror reports that in that time he won the first division twice with Everton, along with two FA Cups and the European Cup Winners' Cup, and that he was named Footballers' Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in 1985.

He began at Bury and later had spells at Torquay United, Stoke City and Bradford City among others, finishing at Dagenham and Redbridge. The Daily Mirror notes he worked as a binman and a waiter as a teenager, and that he holds an MBE.

Earlier Health Concerns

Since retiring, Southall has been an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and LGBT rights, alongside a range of political causes.

His health has been a concern in recent years. He was taken to hospital last summer with an infection that left him on an intravenous drip, posting 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."