Howard Kendall who played for and managed Everton has died at the age of 69

The English man was most famous for his connection with Everton and won two league titles with them in the 1980s as manager. He also guided the club to league championships in 1984-85 and 1986-87.

His career with Everton

Playing career

Kendall joined Everton for £85,000 in March 1967, where he was moved into midfield with Alan Ball and Colin Harvey and the trio gained the nickname “The Holy Trinity”. 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. The club described him as “one of the greatest players to pull on the Everton jersey”. He also played for Birmingham, Stoke and Blackburn.

Managerial Career

Kendall’s first managerial job was at Ewood Park, before moving to Everton in May 1981 thereby returned to the home club as player-manager. During his first spell at Goodison Park, he built an almost entirely new team which proved itself as one of the finest of the whole decade. He brought in younger players such as Peter Reid and Trevor Steven from smaller clubs to give them the opportunity to prove that they could compete at the highest level, and was largely successful. He also brought in “name” players such as Andy Gray, who was instrumental in a season and a half after joining them in late 1983, his goals transforming a struggling side into FA Cup winners and then league champions and European Cup Winners’ Cup winners.

He led the Merseyside club to the league title in 1985 and 1987, plus FA Cup victory in 1984. The club also won the European Cup Winners’ Cup the following season.

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.”

The great Kendoll also played for Preston North End, Stoke City, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and managed Athletic Bilbao, Manchester City, Xanthi, Notts County, Sheffield United and Ethnikos Piraeus. Besides being linked with so many clubs he etched his name in the history book of Everton and remains as prestige for the Merseyside forever after.