In the wake of the news that the esteemed chairman of Everton Football Club, Bill Kenwright, had passed away at the age of 78 after battling cancer, the football world came together to remember and honor the man who played a pivotal role in the club’s history. Former Everton manager David Moyes, who had a long and successful tenure at the club, shared his thoughts on the late chairman, painting a vivid picture of Bill Kenwright’s impact on his career and the club as a whole.
Moyes, now the manager of West Ham United, reflected on how Bill Kenwright provided him with a significant opportunity when he was a young manager in the lower leagues. The year was 2002 when Moyes, then 38 years old, made the leap from managing Championship side Preston to taking charge of Everton. Little did he know that this decision would mark the beginning of an incredible journey that would span over a decade.
Describing Kenwright as “a wonderful man” and “brilliantly supportive,” Moyes highlighted the crucial role the chairman played in his career. He emphasized that, as a young coach, he couldn’t have asked for a better chairman. This sentiment speaks volumes about the kind of person Bill Kenwright was—someone who not only cared deeply about Everton but also nurtured and supported talent, even from humble beginnings.
It’s not just David Moyes who felt the weight of Kenwright’s influence. Current Everton manager Sean Dyche, who took the reins in January, acknowledged the importance of Kenwright’s role in his own appointment. Dyche, who successfully steered Everton away from relegation in his tenure, expressed gratitude and respect for Kenwright’s unwavering support of himself, the staff, and the players.
One of the most touching moments came when the Everton squad gathered for a training session at Goodison Park, the club’s iconic home ground. Every player and staff member participated in a minute’s silence to pay their respects to the late chairman. Kenwright’s image was displayed on the stadium’s screens, serving as a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy.
David Moyes also pointed out how challenging it is for young managers to make their way in modern football. In this regard, Bill Kenwright’s contributions were invaluable. Over 11 years of collaboration, they shared successful moments and created lasting memories. His absence will undoubtedly be felt in the footballing world, and he will be sorely missed by all those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman eloquently summarized the essence of Bill Kenwright’s character. He noted that Kenwright had a unique ability to make everyone feel like they were the center of the world. This quality endeared him to players, staff, and even opposition players. Bill Kenwright was the embodiment of the “people’s club,” a term often associated with Everton.
Pat Nevin, an ex-Scotland winger who played for Everton, recalled the genuine care and kindness that Kenwright extended to everyone. His heartfelt words and warm smiles left a lasting impression on those he encountered. Nevin’s story of Kenwright expressing his disappointment upon Nevin’s departure from the club is a testament to the chairman’s personal touch and his investment in the well-being of those around him.
Even Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, despite the fierce rivalry between Liverpool and Everton, acknowledged Bill Kenwright’s significant contributions. Klopp highlighted Kenwright’s heartfelt speech following the Hillsborough tragedy, emphasizing the unity that transcends football rivalries during moments of sorrow.
Bill Kenwright’s legacy extends beyond the football pitch. He was a man with a “massive heart” for his beloved city and the club he cherished. His impact on Everton Football Club and the broader football community is immeasurable, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
As we bid farewell to a remarkable chairman, we remember the words of Jurgen Klopp: “They chose the wrong city and chose the wrong mums.” In Bill Kenwright, Everton had a chairman who chose the right path and the right people, leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game. Our condolences go out to his family, and we hope they find solace in the legacy he leaves behind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bill Kenwright Everton Legacy
Who was Bill Kenwright?
Bill Kenwright was the esteemed chairman of Everton Football Club, a role he held until his passing at the age of 78. He was known for his deep passion for the club and his significant contributions to both Everton and the broader football community.
What did David Moyes say about Bill Kenwright?
Former Everton manager David Moyes praised Bill Kenwright as “a wonderful man” and highlighted the pivotal role Kenwright played in his career. Moyes emphasized Kenwright’s brilliant support and how he provided a significant opportunity when Moyes was a young manager in the lower leagues.
How did Sean Dyche remember Bill Kenwright?
Current Everton manager Sean Dyche expressed his gratitude and respect for Bill Kenwright’s unwavering support. He acknowledged Kenwright’s influence in his own appointment and mentioned the shared moment of reaching their objective last season, which Kenwright felt strongly about.
What was the Everton squad’s tribute to Bill Kenwright?
The Everton squad held a training session at Goodison Park, and all players and staff observed a minute’s silence in honor of Bill Kenwright. His image was displayed on the stadium’s screens, creating a poignant moment to remember his legacy.
How did Bill Kenwright impact Everton and its players?
Bill Kenwright had a unique ability to make everyone feel like they were the center of the world. Players, staff, and even opposition players felt a personal connection with him. He embodied the concept of Everton as the “people’s club” and left a lasting impression on those he encountered.
What did Jurgen Klopp say about Bill Kenwright?
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp acknowledged Bill Kenwright’s “massive heart” for the city and Everton. He also mentioned Kenwright’s heartfelt speech following the Hillsborough tragedy and emphasized the unity that exists beyond football rivalries during moments of sorrow.
More about Bill Kenwright Everton Legacy
- BBC Sport: Bill Kenwright: Late Everton chairman ‘a wonderful man’, says former manager David Moyes
- BBC Sport: Bill Kenwright’s ‘sporting love story with an unhappy ending’
- Liverpool Echo: David Moyes’ moving tribute to Bill Kenwright
- Everton Football Club Official Website
- Jurgen Klopp pays tribute to Bill Kenwright
- Leon Osman on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast
