Howard Kendall Dies Aged 69

Very sad to read on the BBC that Tynesider Howard Kendall has passed away aged only 69. Far too young these days.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34560155

Howard Kendall: Former Everton manager dies aged 69

Former Everton manager Howard Kendall has died at the age of 69.

Kendall played for the Toffees and managed them on three occasions, with his first spell in charge being the most successful in the club's history.

He led the side to two First Division titles, as well as an FA Cup triumph and European Cup Winners' Cup win.

Kendall also took charge of Blackburn, Manchester City, Notts County and Sheffield United in more than 700 games of his managerial career.

'A great man manager'

Born in County Durham, Kendall played over 100 times for his first club Preston North End, before joining Everton.

At the age of 17, he won the 1968 FA Cup and the First Division title two seasons later. He played more than 200 games for the club, who described him as "one of the greatest players to pull on the Everton jersey". He also played for Birmingham, Stoke and Blackburn.

Kendall's first managerial job was at Ewood Park, before moving to Everton in 1981.

please log in to view this image

He led the Merseyside club to the league title in 1985 and 1987, plus FA Cup victory in 1984. There was also success in Europe as the club won the European Cup Winners' Cup the following season.

"Everton won't be the same without Howard," former Toffees midfielder Peter Reid told BBC Radio 5 live.

"A great person. Very astute and a great man-manager, and just a fantastic man. I'm devastated - he was friend as well as my boss."

Former Everton and England striker Gary Lineker said: "Brilliantly managed the best club side I ever played for at Everton. Great bloke."

In a statement, Everton said Kendall passed away in hospital in Southport, surrounded by loved ones.

please log in to view this image

He built a great Everton team in the 80s and always seemed like a manager who could have gone on to achieve so much more. Was very unlucky with the timing of the European competitions ban or his list of honours may have been far greater.

RIP.

 

My favourite number

Rip

 

rip