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"I have the honour of being the most successful manager in the history of one of the greatest and biggest clubs in the world."- Howard Kendall
It is certainly going to be an emotional day at Goodison Park today as Everton take on Manchester United. The news of Howard Kendall's untimely demise will make certain of that. Famous for his managerial exploits that led to Everton's greatness in the early to mid 80's, it must not be forgotten that Kendall was also a great midfielder in his own right, forming one-third of the Holy Trinity with Alan Ball and Colin Harvey that will forever grace Toffee lore as one of the best midfield units to have ever donned the royal blue.
It is ironic that when Alan Ball passed away in 2007, Kendall and Harvey laid a wreath in the center circle at Goodison Park when the Blues played.. Manchester United. The fans from both sides were pure class on that day, and we expect the same today too. The Everton players will be wearing black armbands today and there will be a minute's silence before the game.
Any potential investors at the game today are going to be greeted by a sombre atmosphere at first, a fanbase steeped in history and proud of the 137 years of tradition that runs through the tapestry of this great club. They will then see for themselves the love the Toffees have for one of their own, a player who covered himself in glory playing for the 'School of Science', and then came back to manage the team to some of it's greatest ever years, an era that defined English football and won the club life-long fans the world over.
Player (Everton)
Football League First Division champions: 1969-70
FA Charity Shield winner: 1970
FA Cup runner-up: 1967-68
Manager (Everton)
Football League First Division champions: 1984-85, 1986-87
Football League First Division runner-up: 1985-86
FA Cup winner: 1983-84
FA Cup runner-up: 1984-85, 1985-86
FA Charity Shield winner: 1984-85, 1985-86, 1986-87
European Cup Winners' Cup winner: 1984-85
Football League Cup runner-up: 1983-84
Rest in peace Howard Kendall, you are loved and will be missed, forever.
We are devastated to learn of the passing of Everton Giant Howard Kendall. pic.twitter.com/hKBuDeKraW
— Everton (@Everton) October 17, 2015
Devastated. RIP Howard.
— Peter Reid (@reid6peter) October 17, 2015
A great manager an even greater man What ever I did was solely down to him Gentleman , friend, mentor Will miss him Gutted
— Neville Southall (@NevilleSouthall) October 17, 2015
So privileged to have played for Everton's most successful manager. Absolutely devastated at this sad news RIP Boss @Everton
— Kevin Sheedy (@kevin11sheedy) October 17, 2015
Saddened to hear that Howard Kendall has passed away. Brilliantly managed the best club side I ever played for at Everton. Great bloke #RIP
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 17, 2015
The tributes didn't just come in from his players, but from all over the footballing community too.
Really really sorry to have to say that the greatest manager in Everton's history and a lovely lovely lovely man has passed away. RIP Howard
— David Prentice (@prenno) October 17, 2015
#LFC are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of @Everton great Howard Kendall http://t.co/Jq5PwAxDNu
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 17, 2015
Very very sad news about Howard Kendall. total respect for him as a player manager and person. Fantastic character. Be sadly missed.A legend
— Kenneth Dalglish (@kennethdalglish) October 17, 2015
Manchester City sends its sincere condolences to the family of Howard Kendall after his passing
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) October 17, 2015
Everyone at Crystal Palace would like to offer their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Howard Kendall. RIP.
— Crystal Palace FC (@CPFC) October 17, 2015
We're saddened to hear of former Everton manager Howard Kendall's passing. Our thoughts are with his family & friends at this difficult time
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 17, 2015
Our condolences are with family, friends & all at @Everton following the passing of Howard Kendall. #FootballFamily https://t.co/ESwD9lZfUx
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 17, 2015
The thoughts of everyone at Arsenal Football Club are with the family and friends of Howard Kendall.
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) October 17, 2015
Stoke City sends its condolences to the friends, family and all at @Everton following the passing of Howard Kendall #FootballFamily
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) October 17, 2015
RIP Howard Kendall
— Philip Neville (@fizzer18) October 17, 2015
Thoughts & prayers go out to the family of a perfect gentleman, the best player/manger ever to grace the heart of Everton football club #RIP
— Michael Ball (@bally03) October 17, 2015
RIP Howard Kendall the greatest EFC manager there's been. He gave me some of my best football memories especially in the 84/85 season.
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) October 17, 2015
RIP Howard Kendall. Arguably the greatest manager and one of the greatest players in Everton's long and prestigious history.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) October 17, 2015
Such sad news about the death of Howard Kendall - Everton's most successful manager but also a magnificent player.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) October 17, 2015
Blackburn Rovers are saddened to learn of the death of former player & manager Howard Kendall. Our thoughts are with his family at this time
— Blackburn Rovers (@OneRovers) October 17, 2015
Este fue el programa del partido homenaje a Howard Kendall pic.twitter.com/OARKho2Q6y
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) October 17, 2015
Rest in peace, Legend. And a big thank you!!!! Support to his family and friends. @Everton @AthleticClub pic.twitter.com/o2x5CQdu8r
— Javier (@parrastaka) October 17, 2015
Preston North End are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Howard Kendall. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
— pnefc (@pnefc) October 17, 2015
Football has lost a fine player, a fine manager and a great character. #RIPHoward #BCFC
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) October 17, 2015
We could go on for days and days, but we'll sum it all up with just one more.
Our gaffer pic.twitter.com/T70N5blIzq
— Scott Morris (@Scott_MorrisEfc) October 17, 2015
The outpouring of grief is well-deserved for such a humble yet outgoing man. A club legend in every true sense of the word.