The former Everton manager Howard Kendall, who guided the club to league championships in 1984-85 and 1986-87, has died at the age of 69.
Kendall played more than 200 times for the club as a player, winning the title in 1969-70 as part of the famous “Holy Trinity” along with Alan Ball and Colin Harvey, and in his six years as manager between 1981 and 1987 the club won the FA Cup and the Cup-Winners’ Cup in addition to those two league titles. He had two further spells with the club, along with stints at Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Athletic Bilbao, Notts County and Sheffield United.
Everton said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that Everton Football Club has learned of the passing of Howard Kendall.
“The most successful manager in the history of the club and one of the greatest players to pull on the Everton jersey. He passed away in hospital in Southport this morning at the age of 69, surrounded by loved ones.
“The thoughts of everyone associated with the club are with Howard’s family at this difficult time and it would be appreciated if everyone could respect their request for privacy.”
Kendall’s former players have been quick to pay tribute. Gary Lineker, who signed for Everton after their title success in 1985, tweeted: “Saddened to hear that Howard Kendall has passed away. Brilliantly managed the best club side I ever played for at Everton. Great bloke.”
Don Hutchinson, who played for Kendall both at Everton and Sheffield United, described him as “the best manager I’ve ever played for” while Neville Southall, Everton’s goalkeeper throughout the 1980s, tweeted: “A great manager an even greater man. What ever I did was solely down to him. Gentleman, friend, mentor. Will miss him. Gutted.”
