Everton legends and players tribute former chairman Bill Kenwright after his death at 78 as Wayne Rooney and David Moyes hail the Toffees icon for being a ‘wonderful man’ and doing ‘everything for the club’

• Everton icons have paid tribute to the club’s legendary chairman Bill Kenwright
• Tributes have poured in since the 78-year-old sadly passed away on Tuesday
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’

Everton icons and current players have issued heartfelt words of condolences in the wake of Bill Kenwright’s passing with David Moyes and Wayne Rooney both tributing the former chairman.

The Toffees played their first match since Kenwright’s death at the age of 78 when they travelled to face West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday.

Kenwright enjoyed 19 years in his role as Everton chairman after succeeding Sir Phillip Carter in 2004. 

He oversaw periods of great success and more recently difficulties during his time at the club and Everton legends offered up some of their favourite memories of Kenwright in the build-up to Sunday’s game.

West Ham manager David Moyes, who previously spent 11-years in charge of the Toffees, described Kenwright on Sky Sports as a ‘wonderful man’ and expressed sadness at the news of his passing. 

Tributes from former Everton players and club icons have poured in for former chairman Bill Kenwright

Wreaths were laid in memory of Kenwright before Everton’s match against West Ham on Sunday

Former Everton superstar Wayne Rooney hailed the impact Kenwright had on his development at the club

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‘Incredibly sad news. Wonderful man. He gave me an opportunity in my career and was brilliantly supportive,’ said Moyes. 

‘I couldn’t have had a better chairman as a young coach. When I look at modern football nowadays, and how difficult it is for young managers to make their way…Bill Kenwright was great to work with. 

‘He’ll be sadly missed and to the whole family, they know how I feel. Really disappointed that Bill’s left,’ he added.

Rooney, who first burst onto the Premier League stage as a 16-year-old at Everton, shared similar thoughts as he explained his sadness at the news.

Now managing Birmingham in the Championship, the Manchester United and England legend said: ‘Growing up as a young kid, I’ve known him [Kenwright] for a long time. I had a good relationship with him.

‘He’s Everton through and through. I know he had a difficult time over the last few years with what’s happening at Everton, but everything he was doing was from the right place. 

‘Evertonians will know that he gave everything, all he could for the club. He’ll be sadly missed.’

Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford hailed the former chairman’s fundraising efforts, adding: ‘Every time you saw him, he was full of joy. He was a big influence on people and for what he’s done for charities as well, he was always willing to help people.’

Current Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford paid tribute to Kenwright’s presence at the club

Everton captain Seamus Coleman and club manager Sean Dyche issued heartfelt condolences after Kenwright’s passing

Further tributes continued to pour in throughout Sunday afternoon with Everton captain Seamus Coleman describing how much Kenwright will be missed around Goodison Park.

‘He had a very special way of making all his players feel special and very important, whether that be a big hug when he sees you or a text message after a game to numerous players. 

‘He’ll be so, so missed by us all. We just want to remember him and all the good times,’ said Coleman.

A joint tribute was held to remember Kenwright and Sir Bobby Charlton at the London Stadium on Sunday

Sean Dyche – who was the last Everton manager to be appointed by Kenwright – explained: ‘He was nothing but supportive even through some hard times. He was someone to pick up the phone to, always got time for you. 

‘He always wanted to find out what’s going on and touch base with what the feel of the camp was, the players, the mood, individuals. Often telling me his wisdom about Everton Football Club and what we should be doing!’

Former Everton and Man United striker Louis Saha also paid tribute to Kenwright, commenting: ‘The spirit of this guy was immense. It was all about those values. It was the identity of the club.’

There will be a joint-tribute for Kenwright and Sir Bobby Charlton pre-match at the London Stadium ahead of kick-off between West Ham and Everton. 

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