Everton boss Sean Dyche and his club captain Seamus Coleman paid tribute to the late Bill Kenwright by laying down a wreath outside Goodison Park after the former chairman’s death aged 78.
Kenwright passed away on Tuesday after having surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver, leaving the Merseyside club in mourning as a host of sporting figures offered their condolences.
Farhad Moshiri was among the names to pay tribute to Kenwright following his death, while Everton’s rivals Liverpool also offered support – and now manager Dyche and his captain have joined the names making an emotional gesture.
A note was accompanied alongside the flowers from the club, saying: ‘In loving memory of our chairman, our leader, our friend and inspiration. With love and thanks from everyone at Everton Football Club.
Everton boss Sean Dyche and captain Seamus Coleman laid down a wreath outside Goodison Park to pay tribute to the late Bill Kenwright
A note on behalf of the club called Kenwright ‘our leader, our friend and inspiration’
Everton announced the news of Kenwright’s death in a tweet shared on Tuesday evening
They joined a number of fans who have already left flowers outside the stadium.
Everton have continued to make gestures towards Kenwright and players held a minute silence ahead of their training session on Wednesday.
The club posted a picture of players stood with their arms behind their backs as a picture of Kenwright was displayed in front of them.
In a full statement announcing Kenwright’s passing, his company said: ‘Following a long battle with illness Bill passed away peacefully last night, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
‘Bill was driven by his passions and devoted his life to them; his deep love of theatre, film, music and his beloved Everton, and the families they created. He impacted the lives of thousands, whether that be through the launching of careers or his unending loyalty, generosity and unfaltering friendship and support.
Everton showed how their players observed a minute of silence for Kenwright before training
‘During his time as majority shareholder and Chairman of Everton FC, Bill led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football. We will remember him with huge love and admiration – the shows will of course go on, as he would have wished, and his towering legacy will continue.
‘A celebration of Bill’s life and career will be announced in due course. At this very difficult time we ask for privacy and respect for Bill’s family and friends.’
Tributes from across the football world saw Everton release a statement saying it was in ‘mourning’ following the death of the man who had been on the board since 1989, while their cross-town rivals sent a heartfelt message of condolence.
‘Rest in peace, Bill Kenwright.’ The Reds wrote on X, formerly Twitter. ‘The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Bill’s family, friends and everyone at Everton.’
Anfield legend and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher also shared his sadness at the news, saying: ‘Really sad news this.
‘A huge Evertonian who served & loved his club to bits. I’ll never forget his & Everton’s support every year around the Hillsborough memorial. RIP Bill.
Kenwright was last pictured watching Everton playing Liverpool on February 13 this year
Kenwright sold his majority stake in Everton to Farhad Moshiri in 2016 but remained chairman
Birmingham City boss and former Everton star Wayne Rooney hailed a ‘great man’ in his statement on Kenwright. Rooney burst onto the scene as a youngster exciting the Goodison Park faithful and was keen to highlight the impact of the former chairman in his development.
‘Devastated to hear the sad news about Bill Kenwright.’ He said. ‘Known Bill since I was young and he’s had a huge impact on me as a person and my career. Great man and a big inspiration. Thoughts are with all Bill’s family and friends.’
Kenwright forged a love affair with the Toffees from an early age, inspired by his idol, the centre forward Dave Hickson. After taking a place on the board in 1989 he was made deputy chairman after buying a 68 per cent majority share of the club from Peter Johnson in 1999.
He succeeded Sir Phillip Carter as Everton chairman in 2004. A year later the Toffees secured a place in the Champions League qualifiers under the guidance of manager David Moyes.
He was persuaded to stay on in the role earlier this year by Moshiri, who Kenwright sold his stake to in 2016.
