The Everton scout who discovered Wayne Rooney has passed away.
The much-loved Bob Pendleton died peacefully last night in Fazakerley Hospital, aged 81.
Bob was suffering with dementia.
Pendleton, along with Sid Benson, was credited with bringing players such as Leon Osman, Leighton Baines and Tony Hibbert to the club and their sterling service was honoured in 2016.
A plaque to acknowledge the contribution to Everton of the dedicated former scouts was unveiled at Finch Farm, with two Academy pitches renamed in their honour.
And spotting a nine-year-old Rooney playing junior football in Walton, was perhaps Pendleton's greatest achievement.
Speaking to the BBC in 2017, he said: “I first saw Wayne Rooney playing on the Jeffrey Humble pitches on Long Lane, Walton. He was nine, and clearly lived for scoring goals.
"I didn't think then that this shy young man would become England's greatest goalscorer, but within two years I was absolutely certain it was going to happen."
Pendleton worked for Everton for over 30 years.
Bob's family includes his children Robert, Mary, Margy, Sue and Ann.
