Rest in peace, Bill Kenwright

A lifelong Blues supporter, Kenwright became a member of the board at Goodison Park in October 1989 and 10 years later was part of the consortium that took over the club.

After serving as vice-chairman, he was appointed chairman in 2004 and continued in that role over the past almost two decades – Everton’s longest-serving chairman for more than a century.

As part of his and Everton’s unwavering support for the victims of the Hillsborough disaster, the native Liverpudlian delivered a poignant speech at the 2013 memorial service at Anfield.

“I hope since that day you have known the support of Everton Football Club for you,” he said during an emotional message. “I saw your banner saying, ‘You’ve taken on the wrong city.’

“Well, you’ve taken on the wrong mums too, because we all know about Liverpool mums and the way they fight for their kids and their family. I don’t know the pain but I appreciate the pain you would have felt on that day.

“We salute you. The door is always open for you [at Everton].”

Kenwright, who was also a hugely successful theatre and film producer, died peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones, on Monday night.

The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Bill’s family, friends and all at Everton FC at this very sad time.