Bill Kenwright: Everton chairman dies aged 78

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has passed away at 78 years old.

In a statement on its website, the club confirmed that its longtime chairman passed away on Monday evening.

“The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration,” the statement added. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him.”

Kenwright joined Everton’s board in 1989 and later became deputy chairman after acquiring a majority share in the club.

He was chairman of Everton for nearly 20 years.

Kenwright was diagnosed with liver cancer in August and recently left the hospital after having emergency surgery to remove a cancerous tumor.

Earlier this year, Kenwright agreed to stay on Everton’s board, as requested by owner Moshiri, to assist the club during a transitional period.

Moshiri first invested in Everton in 2016. Last month, he agreed to sell Everton to 777 Partners. However, the sale is still pending regulatory approval.

He wrote a tribute for his “great friend”, saying that Kenwright was a special person who achieved success in many areas of life.

“There can be no mistaking that Bill loved Everton football club,” Moshiri wrote. “He spoke with an infectious enthusiasm about every aspect of Everton, from the legends of yesteryear to his unconditional support for everyone that wears the blue shirt and represents the club…

“Bill loved Goodison Park, a stadium that held so many special memories but he also shared in an incredible vision for our new stadium and when the club moves in I don’t think anyone would have been prouder.

“The new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock will provide an iconic new home for the club on the banks of the Royal Blue Mersey and will stand as a lasting legacy to his memory.”

Former Duncan Ferguson paid tribute to Kenwright. He made over 250 appearances for the club in three different periods spanning 10 years. Ferguson also served as Kenwright’s caretaker manager at Goodison Park on two occasions.

He wrote: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Everton chairman and true Blue, Bill Kenwright. He loved the club with a passion and he loved the players who wore the famous Royal Blue shirt, every one of them.

“None more so than The Cannonball Kid, Dave Hickson, his childhood and forever hero. He was my chairman for many years and a confidant. You were loved, Bill, and you will be missed. Rest In Peace. God bless, Dunk.”

Former Everton forward Wayne Rooney, who broke through at Goodison Park as a 16-year-old, also paid tribute to Kenwright.

He said: “I’m devastated to hear about the passing of Mr Everton, Bill Kenwright. I can’t thank you enough Chairman for giving me the opportunity to play for our club and the support throughout my career on and off the park.

“I’ll miss our calls and stories about Everton. RIP chairman.”