Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, 78, is receiving a ton of tributes following his passing.
The Toffees confirmed the sad news on Tuesday afternoon. Born and raised in Everton, Kenwright joined the board of directors in 1989 and, fifteen years later, assumed the role of chairman, a role he held until his passing.
In addition, Kenwright was a prosperous theater producer. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Fame, and Blood Brothers were among his productions. As “the most prolific in the world,” Everton has characterized his theater production company.
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Ex-Liverpool mayor slammed for “horrendous” tweet
Following the passing of Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, the former mayor of Liverpool was called “horrendous” for his outburst against the club’s supporters.
Joe Anderson led the city between 2012 and 2021 and is a Toffees supporter. He tweeted out a tribute to Kenwright shortly after his death on Tuesday.
According to Anderson, “Bill Kenwright passed away having bravely and dignifiedly battled liver and brain cancer. However, I know that what hurt him the most and broke his heart was the poisonous cancer of so-called fans attacking him directly. Bill deserved better because of his unwavering commitment to Everton and loyalty to the team. RIP.”
Kevin Campbell is the latest former Everton player to pay tribute on X.
The striker wrote, “My deepest condolences to your family and R.I.P. Bill Kenwright.” “And the Everton family too.”
Kenwright, dubbed “the last great football chairmen,”
David Maddock of Mirror Football has written a moving essay about Bill Kenwright.
“Bill Kenwright is possibly the final great football chairman…the outpouring of grief following his passing on Tuesday speaks louder than words could ever hope to,” he said.
Like all passionate relationships, the Grand Old Team brought as much heartache as joy. It was his third love, following his daughter Lucy and his partner and soul mate Jenny Seagrove.
“Great Evertonian” is honored by Cottee.
Social media reactions to the news have been posted by the former Everton striker.
“So sad to hear of the passing of Bill Kenwright,” he tweeted. “I lost a friend, and Everton lost a terrific Evertonian. Bill, RIP.”
Kenwright receives praise from Liverpool
Though things may not have gone as planned during Bill Kenwright’s time as chairman, few Everton supporters would overlook his generosity in late 2020.
After Covid-19 restrictions finally allowed a small number of fans back into Goodison Park, he gave up his two complimentary seats to two more fortunate fans for the rest of the season. The supporters were chosen in a ballot.
Everton in ‘mourning’ amid club statement
The chairman Bill Kenwright CBE passed away, and Everton Football Club released a statement expressing their “mourning.”
“Bill Kenwright, the Everton chairman with the longest tenure—more than a century—led the Club through an unprecedented period of change in English football,” the statement said.
Born and raised in Everton, he joined the board on October 23, 1989, and on Boxing Day 1999, his True Blue Holdings consortium bought the club. In 2004, he succeeded his close friend Sir Philip Carter as chair after initially holding the position of vice-chairman.
“In his 19 seasons as Chairman, the Club finished in the top eight twelve times, with a top four in 2005, a trip to the FA Cup final in 2009, and six different European qualification runs.
“The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. Everyone at Everton is thinking and praying for his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, his grandchildren, and all those who were in his life.”
Football reacts to Kenwright’s death
More on the news that Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has passed away at the age of 78.
Kenwright has been a lifelong supporter of Goodison Park. He became a shareholder in 1999 and then the chairman in 2004. He has retained a stake in the club since Farhad Moshiri’s takeover in 2016.
Kenwright underwent procedure this month
Bill Kenwright underwent a major procedure during the summer to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver.
Everton confirmed on October 12 that Kenwright was recovering at home following a prolonged period in an intensive care unit.
Boxing legend Tony Bellew was one of the first Everton fans to react to Bill Kenwright’s death.
He posted a crying emoji on X shortly before Everton’s announcement.
The post was later deleted.
Hello and welcome to our live blog following the sad news of Bill Kenwright’s death.
We’ll be publishing tributes to the late Everton chairman throughout the afternoon.
