Fans' rally as ex-Doncaster Rovers star shares worrying health update
The 67-year-old ex-goalkeeper worried fans with a social media post
Supporters have shown their backing for ex Doncaster Rovers icon Neville Southall after the goalkeeper shared a worrying post about his health on social media.
The 67-year-old shot-stopper, who also turned out for Wales and Everton during a career spanning three decades, made the announcement on X on Sunday morning.
Writing on the social media platform, Southall posted: "Won't be on here for a bit not well."
The message prompted an outpouring of support from the football community, with many letting the Welsh icon know he was in their thoughts.
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."
The post attracted almost 1,000 comments in the space of just hours.
The 67-year-old won 92 caps for his country, and was at one stage considered the finest goalkeeper of his generation before retiring in 2002.
He also made well over 500 league appearances for Everton during his career, staying at Goodison Park from 1981 to 1998.
Since retirement, he has been an outspoken advocate of mental health and LGBT rights, but his health has been a concern in more recent times.
Southall was hospitalised last summer following an infection, which left him 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 nature of this latest health issue isn't yet known.
He began his career at Winsford United before joining Bury before moving on to Everton for £150,000 in 1981 where he established himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper.
He went on to make a club record 750 appearances in all competitions, winning a European Cup Winners' Cup medal in 1985, a First Division championship medal in 1984–85 and 1986–87, an FA Cup winners medal in 1984 and 1995, and an FA Charity Shield winners medal in 1984, 1985, and 1995.
Former teammate Ian Snodin invited him to join Doncaster Rovers on a short-term deal at the start of the 1998–99 season, but he only made nine appearances for Rovers during that season, their first season in non league after relegation from the Football League.