LIVERPOOL: Howard Kendall, an outstanding player and then manager for Everton, has died aged 69.

Kendall won the league title with the club as a player in 1969 as part of the famous ‘Holy Trinity’ along with Alan Ball and Colin Harvey, but undoubtedly his best achievements came when he returned to Goodison Park in 1981.

Within three years he had won the championship, repeating the feat in 1987, while also winning the FA Cup and European Cup-Winners’ Cup in the club’s most successful era.

Kendall began his career with Preston North End and, at 17yr 345days he was then the youngest footballer to play in an FA Cup Final when they lost to West Ham in 1964.

He moved to Everton on 1967 and stayed seven years to 1974 before moving on to Birmingham City, Stoke and Blackburn before returning briefly to Goodison in the twilight of his career. He retired in 1981.

Kendall never played for England seniors but won caps at schoolboy, youth and under-23 level, captaining the England youth side to victory in a ‘Little World Cup’ in 1964.

Later he managed Blackburn, Everton (three times), Athletic Bilbao, Manchester City, Notts County and Greek clubs Xanthi and Ethnkos.

A club statement said: “It is with great sadness that Everton Football Club has learned of the passing of Howard Kendall.

“The most successful manager in the history of the club and one of the greatest players to pull on the Everton jersey, he passed away in hospital in Southport this morning at the age of 69, surrounded by loved ones.

“The thoughts of everyone associated with the club are with Howard’s family at this difficult time and it would be appreciated if everyone could respect their request for privacy.”

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