Tributes to Everton chairman Bill Kenwright as club announce his death aged 78

Ex-Liverpool mayor slammed for "horrendous" tweet

The former mayor of Liverpool has been branded "horrendous " after hitting out at Everton fans in the aftermath of club chairman Bill Kenwright's death.

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Joe Anderson led the city between 2012 and 2021 and is a Toffees supporter. He tweeted out a tribute to Kenwright shortly after his death on Tuesday.

"Bill Kenwright died having fought brain and recently liver cancer with bravery and dignity," Anderson wrote. "But I know it was the poisonous cancer of so-called fans personally attacking him that hurt most and broke his heart. His dedication and loyalty to Everton was unquestionable and he deserved better RIP Bill."

Winter reflects on "sad news"

Campbell sends "deep condolences"

Kevin Campbell is the latest former Everton player to pay tribute on X.

"R.I.P Bill Kenwright and deep condolences to your family," wrote the striker. "And the Everton family too."

(Pool via REUTERS)

Kenwright "the last of the great football chairmen"

Mirror Football writer David Maddock has written a poignant piece on Bill Kenwright.

"Bill Kenwright is perhaps the last of the great football chairmen…as the reaction to his death on Tuesday testifies far better than any words can ever hope to express," he said.

"The Grand Old Team was the third love of his life - after his partner and soul mate Jenny Seagrove, and his daughter, Lucy - and like all passionate relationships, it brought as much heartache as it did joy."

Cottee pays tribute to "great Evertonian"

Former Everton striker on social media has reacted to the news on social media.

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"So sad to hear of the passing of Bill Kenwright," he wrote. "Everton have lost a great Evertonian and I have lost a friend … RIP Bill."

Liverpool pay tribute to Kenwright

Kenwright's classy gesture during Covid-19 pandemic

Bill Kenwright's tenure as Chairman may not always have run smoothly, but few Everton fans will forget his gesture in late 2020.

When a limited number of fans were finally allowed back in Goodison Park amid Covid-19 restrictions, he gave up his two complimentary seats to two more lucky fans for the remainder of the season. The supporters were chosen in a ballot.

Everton in 'mourning' amid club statement

Everton Football Club have released a statement saying they are 'mourning' the death of Chairman Bill Kenwright CBE.

"Everton’s longest serving chairman for more than a century, Bill Kenwright led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football," they said.

"A lifelong Evertonian, he became a board member on October 23, 1989, and then on Boxing Day 1999 his True Blue Holdings consortium acquired the Club. Initially vice-chairman, he succeeded his close friend Sir Philip Carter as Chair in 2004.

"In his 19 seasons as Chairman, the Club secured 12 top eight finishes, including a top four finish in 2005, a run to the 2009 FA Cup final and European qualification on 6 separate occasions.

"The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him."

Football reacts to Kenwright's death

More on the news that Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has passed away at the age of 78.

Lifelong supporter Kenwright has been a shareholder at Goodison Park since 1999 and later became chairman in 2004. He has retained a stake in the club since Farhad Moshiri's takeover in 2016.

(Getty Images)

Kenwright underwent procedure this month

Bill Kenwright underwent a major procedure during the summer to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver.

Everton confirmed on October 12 that Kenwright was recovering at home following a prolonged period in an intensive care unit.

Read more HERE

Bellew reacts

Boxing legend Tony Bellew was one of the first Everton fans to react to Bill Kenwright's death.

He posted a crying emoji on X shortly before Everton's announcement.

The post was later deleted.

Good afternoon

Hello and welcome to our live blog following the sad news of Bill Kenwright's death.

We'll be publishing tributes to the late Everton chairman throughout the afternoon.