Blues bid Howard a final farewell

, 29 October, 79comments  |  Jump to most recent
� Everton FC
Evertonians lined the streets and filled Liverpool's Anglican cathedral today to give an emotional send-off to Howard Kendall who was laid to rest following his recent passing aged 69.

The funeral procession for the club's greatest ever manager took in a final lap of Goodison Park, applauded on its way by hundreds of Blues, before making its way to the cathedral where a service attended by club legends from the past, members of Kendall's famous mid-1980s side, all the current Everton players and dignitaries of football at large gathered to pay their respects.

The funeral cortege is cheered by hundreds outside the ground Kendall loved as a player, manager and fan
� Liverpool Echo

With hundreds standing outside the cathedral listening to the service via speakers, the procession entered to Elton John's 'I Guess That's Why The Call It The Blues' prior to poignant words in eulogy from Joe Royle, Howard's son Simon, Peter Reid, Graham Stuart, Duncan Ferguson and chairman Bill Kenwright.

"He was truly a man of the people," Royle said. "He had time for everyone and anyone. He loved a chuckle and found it hard to be negative."

2,000 people, including figures from Everton Football Club and the world of football at large, filled Liverpool's Anglican cathedral today to honour Howard Kendall.
� Everton FC

Graham Stuart, signed and sold by Kendall in the 1990s, said: "He had the most infectious laugh you could give a man but his greatest quality was his humility. He had time for everybody and, of course, his favourite day of the week was matchday."

And Kenwright concluded by saying: "Howard was an amazing man, to us just the greatest man," he said. "But more than that he was a Blue. He understood us, he understood Everton. He got it. Thank you H, for everything."

Watch: Part of Bill Kenwright's speech, via ToffeeTV | Listen: Tributes from fans

Kendall's coffin left the cathedral to a rendition of Z-Cars on the organ before making its to his final resting place near Goodison.


Article continues below video content


 

Reader Comments (79)

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Mark Riding
1 Posted 29/10/2015 at 12:31:44
This is a video of Bill Kenwright's eulogy: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-merseyside-34619327
Gordon Crawford
2 Posted 29/10/2015 at 12:40:53
Rip Howard, you will be sadly missed.

Mark Riding
3 Posted 29/10/2015 at 13:04:06
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Mark Riding
4 Posted 29/10/2015 at 13:37:40
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

BK sat behind Rooney?

Jim Lloyd
6 Posted 29/10/2015 at 13:41:57
Ah, dear. It doesn't look like Bill is at the funeral for Howard. Joe Royle, Peter Reid and Grahame Stuart are giving talks on Howard's great service to our club.

Jim Lloyd
7 Posted 29/10/2015 at 13:59:13
It does look like him. If it is, maybe he'll be able to pay his tribute to Howard.
Mark Riding
8 Posted 29/10/2015 at 14:30:04
http://www.itv.com/news/granada/2015-10-29/kendall-given-standing-ovation-at-beginning-of-funeral-in-liverpool-anglican-cathedral/
Patrick Murphy
9 Posted 29/10/2015 at 14:33:04
The service is being broadcast live on Radio City talk which is available on the Web too.
Mark Riding
10 Posted 29/10/2015 at 14:33:21
Video of BK speech: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1169901043039290
Gordon Crawford
11 Posted 29/10/2015 at 14:54:04
All of these things puts football into perspective. Yes it’s a game we are all passionate about, but it’s still only a game. How you live your life is far more important.

God bless all their families this day.


Tahir Abdullah
12 Posted 29/10/2015 at 16:53:52
Class...RIP Mr Kendall
James Marshall
13 Posted 29/10/2015 at 16:54:29
I’ve just been listening to the eulogies, and watched Bill’s, and I have to say I still feel desperately sad and touched by the things people have said. It really is like losing a friend or family member, despite never having met the man myself. He touched all of us, and we all owe him some debt of gratitude I’m sure everyone would agree.

I still have the image of Colin Harvey in my head from the Man Utd game, which also made me feel so sad. Great players, great servants to our club, and to our lives.

As Graham Stuart put it, Blue dreams, Gaffer.

Up the Blues.

Mike Hayes
14 Posted 29/10/2015 at 16:55:11
Fantastic turn out to say farewell and pay respect to the greatest manager, player and great man. RIP, Howard, Everton Legend.
Brent Stephens
15 Posted 29/10/2015 at 17:02:20
Quite poignant picture as part of the news piece above – current squad players, some too late in their careers to be great footballers; others with the potential to approximate greatness as footballers, looking down on a man who was a great footballer, a great manager, and above all a very decent human being.
Tom Dodds
16 Posted 29/10/2015 at 17:02:24
RIP Howard Kendall. A hero of both myself and my dad before me.

Hope we see the likes of your days revisited again.
Brian Porter
17 Posted 29/10/2015 at 17:14:50
RIP, Howard Kendall. Thanks for the pleasure you gave me as both player and manager.
Colin Glassar
18 Posted 29/10/2015 at 17:56:44
Bon voyage, Howard.

R I P
Mike McLoughlin
19 Posted 29/10/2015 at 18:06:11
RIP, Howard Kendall. Thanks for everything both on the pitch and the dressing room.
Tom Magill
20 Posted 29/10/2015 at 18:29:57
Gone but never to be forgotten, Legend — Howard Kendall.

Thanks for all the memories, RIP.

Ian Jones
21 Posted 29/10/2015 at 18:41:51
How fitting it would be to win the League Cup this season with that being the only domestic trophy Howard didn’t win. With a bit of application shown by the team anything is possible.

Brent at #13. Superb.

David Hallwood
22 Posted 29/10/2015 at 18:45:47
It’s like yesterday that we heard the news that we’d signed Bob Latchford and Howard went in the other direction and it was met with disbelief from everyone. Howard Kendall, the best midfielder never to play for England. Fact.

He also gave me the greatest time as a grown up Evertonian when he led us out of the shadows of the RS to become probably the best team in Europe; anyone who was privileged to watch us dismantle Bayern Munich, at the time considered the best team in Europe.

RIP Howard, a true legend, man and Evertonian.

Mark Riding
23 Posted 29/10/2015 at 18:48:32
I bet some of our current players today realised, possibly for the first time, just how BIG Everton Football Club actually is.
Paddy Howlin
25 Posted 29/10/2015 at 19:01:03
Today was a fitting tribute to an absolute Everton legend that will never be matched in my eyes. The club, fans and everyone associated with today should be proud with how they paid their respects to a class player, our greatest manager ever and most importantly of all a wonderful man. I'm so sorry I couldn't pay my respects in person today. God bless Howard Kendall. RIP.
Timothy Blanshard
26 Posted 29/10/2015 at 19:05:31
Thank you so much for posting the audio. A very sad day. I’m in my fifties, for me it only seems like yesterday when a sea of blue took over the town centre singing and drinking till all hours in the morning.

Thanks for the best memories anyone could ever wish for.

R I P, Howard.
Victor Jones
27 Posted 29/10/2015 at 19:15:03
RIP HOWARD KENDALL. I really loved that team of the late 1960s. Loved the Trinity. Compare those three to some of the rubbish served up in the 1990s to the current day. We have had some awful midfielders on the payroll. But that is for another day.I have numerous autographed programmes. And I don’t think that HK refused once to sign (unlike a few players I could name). He even discussed tactics with a few of us once. And TBH we must have been bloody annoying teenagers. But TH was great. Shame he never got that England cap. But Ramsey had his favourites. Sounds familiar.Great to see the Everton family turn out today. We always do the club proud. Great to see Rooney there. So once again from me, a supporter of close to 50 years, thanks for the memories. Rest in Peace.
Trevor Lynes
28 Posted 29/10/2015 at 19:17:01
Very sad day and it was truly great to see players from all over the country speaking well of our best manager.

I never actually met him but Colin Harvey I met at the class from ’63 and both he and Tony Kay who was also there spoke highly of Howard.

I hope that Martinez can rally our present squad to perform at their best to bring us out of obscurity as a tribute to Howard’s memory and our clubs deserving fans.

R I P, Howard Kendall.

Peter Mills
29 Posted 29/10/2015 at 19:26:07
It was a privilege to be present at the cathedral today. Big Joe, Reidy, Graham Stuart, Simon Kendall, Duncan, Rev. Brian Crane and Bill Kenwright spoke superbly.

There was much talk of the Everton family, and it really did feel like a family funeral, where great memories were recalled and any differences put to one side.

Many VIPs were present, and I said very brief thanks for attending to Ron Atkinson, Howard Wilkinson and Jamie Carragher. But for me, the highlight was talking to the lady sitting next to me. She arrived at the same time as me, before 11:00 am, eager to get a decent seat.

We chatted, she said she has always lived in the immediate environs of Goodison, and attended her first match when she was 10 years old. She had got the bus into town this morning, strolled up to the cathedral, sat there for almost 5 hours, and would then get the bus home.

I said "I know this is a very rude question, but do you mind telling me how old you are?". "99 in February" came the reply.

What a family.

Brian Hennessy
30 Posted 29/10/2015 at 19:27:02
Howard inspired thousands of kids in the '80s to become Evertonians, me being one of them. He gave us belief that we are one of the greatest clubs in the world and has left us with trophies and memories that will last forever.

Never had the pleasure of meeting him but always came across as a genuine lovely person.

Rest in peace, Howard.

Peter Carpenter
31 Posted 29/10/2015 at 19:31:21
Wonderful words from Bill Kenwright, he couldn't have done better.
Mike Powell
32 Posted 29/10/2015 at 19:35:36
R I P Howard, thank you for the great times we had.

Now let's go and win the cup for our greatest manager.
Joe Foster
33 Posted 29/10/2015 at 19:41:55
Emotional.
Barry Lambert
34 Posted 29/10/2015 at 19:55:53
Just listened to the recorded eulogies.

I am an Evertonian living in Exeter for the last 25 years. I want to sincerely thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this very sad time for Evertonians and the celebration of the amazing achievements and special personal attributes of this wonderful man.

Our Howard. R I P.
Chris Corn
35 Posted 29/10/2015 at 20:02:19
As an 11-year-old in the mid '80s, things weren’t great in my home life for a variety of reasons. Howard Kendall was a direct reason that made that period so memorable for me despite all that. I will never forget Rotterdam, Wembley and all those other great times he and his players gave me and I loved him. End of.

RIP Howard. Rest well, you’ve earned it.

Tommy Coleman
36 Posted 29/10/2015 at 20:14:41
What a fitting send off.

Great man for a great club.

COYBs.

Max Levy
37 Posted 29/10/2015 at 20:29:02
I’ve been a fan for 45 years. I’ve been through the same emotions as everyone else over that time. Good times and bad times. I’ve vented feelings on ToffeeWeb a few times, usually in the heat of the moment after events on the pitch.

The 80s were simply the best times for me. But what I realised today, sitting in that beautiful cathedral and sharing in everyone’s memories, is that the Everton family is really what it’s all about.

The victories and defeats will come and go. But the people with whom we share our history and our hopes are what we will take with us. Thank you again, Howard, and God bless.

Julian Exshaw
38 Posted 29/10/2015 at 20:38:00
Max, I was about to write the very same thing although you have done it far more eloquently than I could have.

’Family’, the Everton family, it was all about that today. As fans, we are all part of this wonderful Everton family.

Goodnight and God bless you, Howard. We will never forget you or be thankful enough for all you did for our beloved Everton.

Eddie Dunn
39 Posted 29/10/2015 at 20:38:49
Just watched Bill and then Reidy; it brings back vivid memories of those heady days. Great achievements that came out of adversity. I witnessed at first hand what it was like to upset him. I stood in the players lounge at Wimbledon after the Crazy Gang had dumped us out of the Cup.

I had earlier seen Howard leave his seat in the stand to go pitch side, and Pat van den Hauwe was sitting on the plastic chair on the right of of a group of coaches and players. Howard stomped down there and gestured to Pat to move and Psycho jumped out of that seat like a scalded cat! The players in the lounge were shell-shocked, and were in there only a few minutes.

Contrary to the stories of boozing, they sipped orange juice, standing nervously at one end of the room. The door opened, and Howard walked in, and he just said "Come on" and they all left immediately. I think they had had a roasting, and rightly so.

He was the boss, and they didn’t let him down very often.

RIP, Howard.
Alan Bodell
40 Posted 29/10/2015 at 20:46:15
Thankyou so much for posting the audio, very very emotional eulogies spoken by all especially Bill (being unwell himself right now).

Saw the great man playing many times and met him once on a train after Derby away, what a gentleman and here is one man resting in peace up there without any enemies left on earth.
Ian McDowell
41 Posted 29/10/2015 at 20:47:49
What a special club. Makes me proud to be an Evertonian when I see events like today. RIP Howard. Well done for all the blues who attended today to show their respects.
Gerard Carey
42 Posted 29/10/2015 at 21:00:59
Like others, have some wonderful memories, Howard created the best team in the eighties in England, and maybe Europe. R I P Howard, a legend.
Mike Anson
44 Posted 29/10/2015 at 21:09:04
James (#11),

RIP Howard.

Kevin Johnson
45 Posted 29/10/2015 at 21:16:20
God, thanks for making me an Evertonian, thanks for giving us Howard Kendall. We love you Howard. We will never forget you.
Paul Andrews
46 Posted 29/10/2015 at 21:20:48
Howard gave me my best days as an Evertonian. He created a winning mentality in players and fans.

Peter Reid speaking today at the service: "Howard astounded the foreign media in the press conference the day before the Cup Winners Cup Final. It was the done thing that the teams playing would train on the pitch the night before the game. Howard told the press conference we wouldn’t be training on the pitch. The media could not believe it and asked Howard why not.

Howard told them "The pitch has a goal at each end and the same markings as the pitch at Goodison. The lads will be alright."

Reidy went on to say it gave the players a big belief in themselves. Priceless.

God bless Mr Kendall.

Peter Cummings
47 Posted 29/10/2015 at 21:35:16
A True Blue gentleman of the highest class and a real man of the people never to be forgotten wherever the beautiful game is played.

God bless and keep you, Howie

Michael Polley
48 Posted 29/10/2015 at 21:43:48
RIP. Thanks for the memories, and the glory. Keep an eye on our club from blue heaven.
Eugene Ruane
49 Posted 29/10/2015 at 21:51:23
A sad day of course, but hopefully (for his family and Evertonians) consolation in a life of such incredible achievements.

I was thinking earlier that, although the present Everton 'situation' so often means disappointment and frustration (results, performances, our present position in football), my age (56) means that because of HK, I got to enjoy something that most football supporters never experience - my team being by far the best team in the country (and probably in Europe).

Talk about the stars in alignment. In 1984 I was 25 and on decent money (so could afford to travel all over the country) and at the same time, Howard Kendall's Everton were starting to win games.

This was a period of my life when I was provided with such pride and so many thrills that it is almost impossible to relate.

Going to any ground in the country (train, turnstile, in) and it being a shock if you didn't welly the home team.

Home games being a bit disappointing coz you only won 2-0.

To put my/our luck into context, Imagine being a Newcastle supporter who never got a Howard Kendall (last trophy 1969 I think).

Most supporters never see their sides win a carrot and most managers win nothing, but apart from the league in 63 and Cup in 66, it could be argued that HK had a hand in every trophy we've won since (of course 95 was all about big Joe, but remember, Howard's first buy kept us in the game).

I reserve the right to continue to put pressure on the club to do better on the pitch and to be better run, but I also accept how lucky I was to have been in the right place at the right time.

The place Goodison, the time, when Howard Kendall found his mojo.

RIP and..UP THE TOFFEES!

Tim O'Connell
50 Posted 29/10/2015 at 21:56:38
Some lovely apt eulogies? RIP, gaffer.

I am 55 and HK gave me some of the greatest times in my life.

I will certainly be very grateful and never forget him!

Tony Ashcroft
51 Posted 29/10/2015 at 22:13:47
Even on such a sad day, I feel so proud to be part of this wonderful club. Our Blue Family young and old alike such respect and dignity. Special people mourning a very special man.

You made my youth the stuff of dreams, Howard Kendall. RIP Sir... We are chosen!

Kunal Desai
52 Posted 29/10/2015 at 22:19:32
The man who put a smile on Evertonians faces from 84-87...it’s not just what he achieved as player and manager but we shouldn’t forget that, over the years, he’s also made time and listened to our supporters.
Ray Atherton
53 Posted 29/10/2015 at 22:30:36
I always shed tears and a lump in my throat, when I go to family or friends funerals. But today was a family affair, the Everton family. My memories of Howard was when he signed for the Blues, it was March 1967 and we played the other lot and won 1-0 , our other great, Bally scoring in the FA cup 5th round tie at our lovely Goodison.

I have been a Blue since 1956, and never forget Howard"s goal on the volley against Leicester 6th round of the FA cup in 1968 winning 3-1.

RIP Howard

Bill Gall
54 Posted 29/10/2015 at 22:31:43
I have just listened to eulogies from players who I had the pleasure of watching along with Howard Kendall from when he signed on with Everton. After listening and looking at the photos of the service and the crowds along the route to the cathedral plus the professional people from all walks of life, I cannot express the pride I feel of being a supporter of Everton, by the support that was shown to both Howard and the club.

Sometimes as supporters we criticize the club but when you see scenes like today it makes you realize what raises Everton FC above the rest.

R I P, Howard. sometimes I feel the word legend is not used correctly but with what you achieved as a player, manager and a genuine all round gentleman the title is justly disserved.

Colin Glassar
55 Posted 29/10/2015 at 22:33:28
I'm sure Howard will walk straight into the All Stars 11 up there, alongside the likes of Sagar, Mercer, Dean, Lawton, Jones, Labone, Bally etc..... What a sight that would be to behold. Field of Dreams like.
Bobby Thomas
56 Posted 29/10/2015 at 22:37:51
I live in the South at the moment and wish I could have attended today to show my respect and appreciation. My parents, in their late 70s and early 80s, attended and listened outside.

It’s been sad reading the coverage but also makes me proud to be an Evertonian. I thought the eulogies were fantastic. Peter Reid, probably my favourite ever Everton player, was marvellous.

Everton Football Club is special and Howard Kendall helped to form memories for thousands and thousands of people that they will never forget.

It was a fitting and deserved send off. Respect to you Howard and thank you.

Peter Carpenter
58 Posted 29/10/2015 at 23:05:17
Eugene (#43), that was pretty much my experience too. Having a bit of cash for the first time in my life, travelling by car, train, motorbike and sometimes ferry, ropey beer in dodgy pubs, late night motorway snacks and more often than not coming back with the points or the prizes. Great times and my good luck to be there.
Danny O'Neill
59 Posted 29/10/2015 at 23:06:56

Similar experience Eugene. Having grown up listening to my father pine about Alex Young, Joe Royle, the Holy Trinity and the School of Science, I could only dream and keep my belief as I endured the Gordon Lee years; my first real clear Everton memories. Then along came Howard. I don’t know if it was my Dad’s genuine excitement at his second coming and whether I was too young to be cynical in 1981 but something felt right as soon as he was appointed manager. A couple of decent finishes (8th and 7th comapred to flirting close to the bottom 3 the previous 2 seasons) and my optimism and belief was being realised.

Genuinely (and I always claim this one to my son when nostalgia gets the better of me!), even in the 83-84 winter of discontent I still felt Howard was the man to lead us despite the vast majority of more experienced supporters around me baying for blood and distributing leaflets. At the ripe old age of 12, I’ll put that down to the impression of Howard my father imparted on me and youthful optimism vice footballing expertise or some kind of mystic gift! Then we never looked back, literally won the lot and done it with panache and style too; what a journey. The School of Science was most certainly back and for the first and until I would say now, the only time we could go toe-to-toe with our red cousins in the school yard on Monday morning!. It ended too soon as did Howard’s life but let’s not go there on this day as we know too well what the major contributing factor was that prevented the dominant English club side of that brief period potentially dominating Europe and being in a position to capitalise when English football restructured in the early 90s.

That said, in hindsight did I want to be that? I’m Everton; we’re Everton and bias aside, we are different. As the great man himself once said "the most knowledgable fans in football". Blind faith Geordies we are not, deluded Koppites we are not, arrogant Sky generation (insert latest flavour of the month club) we are not. We are Everton and days like today make you proud to be Everton. Yes I want us to match Howard’s standards and be successful but in a certain way and the romantist in me doesn’t want us to lose our soul like others seem to. Overly emotional? Yes and I apologise. Sad day but equally a happy day as it reminded me (not that I need reminding) of who we are and what we stand for. Keep the faith; our day will come.....again. Thank you Howard, thank you for everything you done for our club and my formative years. God bless.

Rob Hooton
61 Posted 29/10/2015 at 23:57:33
My Dad first took me to Goodison in ’84 when I was little enough to be carried through the turnstiles and held aloft by all around to see the action when things got exciting, which was often!

I grew up thinking it was natural for Everton to win every game and challenge for every title whilst being fascinated by the tales of the Holy Trinity whilst sitting there with my bottle of pop and packet of crisps and I’ll be proud to be blue till the end of time. I cried like a family member died the other week which caught me by surprise but reaffirmed that we are all part of HK’s blue legacy.

God bless you Howard and thanks for making us swell with pride and for sharing your achievements so graciously and humbly.

Mike Hughes
62 Posted 29/10/2015 at 00:20:28
I remember thinking how surreal it was when we started coming good in 1983-84 after so many barren years (if only for such a lean spell now).

I left home for 4 years at 18 to attend Sheffield Poly in 1984 but got back home to Walton / EFC as often as possible on some rattley train across the Peak District.

Of course, I was skint so only made about 50% of the home games during 1984-88 and a few away. Stuffing SWFC 0-5 at Hillsbrough was memorable for me in the HK era as we were 5 up at half time and I had a couple of SWFC mates. There was a problem on the roads and most travelling Evertonians didn’t arrive until half-time. The second half was poor.

There were still great memories even when I wasn’t there. I watched the Cup Winners Cup Final in the Sheffield (University) bunker bar with a load of non-EFC mates. The entire bar was full of EFC-supporting neutrals and there was a large screen and great atmosphere.

Even little moments from those days stand out in the way people supposedly remember where they were when the moon landings happened or when JFK got shot, eg. though I wasn’t at the match I recall where I was and who I was with when Grimsby beat us in the cup – then we signed Paul Wilkinson.

There are loads of little scraps of memories like that – particularly from that era. Great days – we expected to win every game.

I remember scraping the money together for the Man Utd (almost the treble) Cup Final and the LFC Cup Final. Not the best of days even though we were still at our peak.

Through the good, bad and the ugly, EFC has been the one constant in my life.

Thank you and RIP Howard Kendall for the good times – when we were Kings.

Ian Riley
63 Posted 30/10/2015 at 00:35:17
Mr Kendall, thank you for choosing us, playing for us and managing us! I know your be at every game in spirit.

God bless you!

Andy Crooks
64 Posted 30/10/2015 at 00:48:05
Great post Eugene. I lived in Manchester in those days and got to loads of games, home and away. Going to see games and expecting to win. Knowing we had a great team. I am bitter that Howard’s team were denied the chance to build something we would still be benefiting from today.

However, those were the best days ever. And you know what, the fact that those wonderful times were unfairly brief gives them a very special resonance. Howard Kendall, great manager, great man, great memories.

Christine Foster
65 Posted 30/10/2015 at 00:53:24
Today leaves me with a heavy heat, a few tears of sadness and a smile.

We are Everton. Such is our cross to bear. But Howard gave us such joy; as a player, he was superb, who can forget those unstoppable volleys? As a manager he fashioned players into a family and forever will they be brothers.

Families argue but they are passionate; we are part of a family that stands alone, we get it, Howard gets it, Bill gets it. Once touched, nothing is ever the same.

Today, we are as close as any family who has lost its own. Whilst his loss is deeply felt and lovingly so by his family, his extended blue family feels his loss deeply, it is the legacy he leaves that unites us all, our respect, our thanks, our affection and our admiration of a personality of humility, who brought joy to so many of us.

We cannot feel the loss as deeply as his family, but we feel the loss nonetheless. His family is our family for ever more. God bless you, Howard; you made our field of dreams a reality.

Andrew Presly
66 Posted 30/10/2015 at 01:02:41
I loved him and I missed the glory days. The bit from Bill in the eulogy about how the HK3 era was arranged is disappointing but it's not the day for that obviously.

You'll never be forgotten Howard, ever. You are Everton for me and many thousands of others and always will be.

Dan Parker
67 Posted 30/10/2015 at 03:52:12
It just has you in tears. A blissful memory of my 80s childhood or a reminder of a parent's generation which is drifting away, or a time and passion in football which isn’t there anymore.

I watched Bill’s eulogy with great pride and I know he has his critics and the way the club is run, but days like today remind me that there’s no club like this, it just wouldn’t be the same without these characters. I’d take that over money any day.

As an aside, credit to Alex Ferguson and Wayne for attending. I would hope we’d do the same for them.

Mark Andersson
68 Posted 30/10/2015 at 03:53:08
God bless you Howard. Thanks for the memories.
William Cartwright
69 Posted 30/10/2015 at 04:01:18
Footy-mad 14-year-old waiting for my mum to come home from work. Reading the Echo on the doorstep and seeing the picture of the new signing, shaking hands with Harry and thinking, "Shit he’s only a few years older than me and he’s already played in an FA Cup Final... I can really do this."

I never did... but he made me so proud to be an Evertonian.

Ian Hollingworth
70 Posted 30/10/2015 at 09:36:14
Fantastic Trio: Rotterdam, Wembley and the Championship too.
Fantastic times; how lucky we were to experience it.
Thank you so very much, Howard.

RIP

Andrew Clare
71 Posted 30/10/2015 at 10:35:35
I have been lucky enough to have watched the Blues since the early '60s. Since then, Howard has been the major figure at our great club.

What a great player in a great midfield. To me, that team and those players were the epitome of Everton. The classiest team I have ever seen and Howard was pure class.

Still can’t believe it that he’s no longer with us. My condolences to his family.

Jim Lloyd
72 Posted 30/10/2015 at 10:58:44
Me too, Andrew. It was special when I went to my first match about 1960, some night game and pouring down. I saw Alex Young and Tommy Ring, Gabby, Alex Parker, Royston and was thankful witnessing some special players playing great football.

I felt that I was part of a special club; and without doubt, there is something special about Everton FC. And we witnessed today, the passing of one of the most special Evertonians there’s ever been.

Thank you, Howard.

Mike Hughes
73 Posted 30/10/2015 at 11:05:07
Just listened to the eulogies. All were impressive but Bill Kenwright’s was very special. A very sad week but you can’t help feeling pride at being an Evertonian.

Ray Roche
74 Posted 30/10/2015 at 11:41:00
Dan Parker (#62),

There are some lovely words and tributes on this thread and, as you say, all credit to Ferguson and Wayne for attending the ceremony at the Cathedral.

If you think back to when Matt Busby died there was a minutes silence at Old Trafford a couple of days later when we played there, I think it was January, bloody cold, and the minute's silence was conducted in absolute silence to the credit of all of us who were there.

Fitting, then that the United fans gave such warm applause on the day of Kendall’s sad death. Some things ARE more important than football.

Eugene Ruane
75 Posted 30/10/2015 at 11:44:56
While it was great for those of us of a certain vintage to have experienced the success we did, for those who have never seen us win anything, I have no doubt the misty-eyed stories get a bit... repetitive (nb: not going to stop me repeating them though).

I remember thinking 14 years (between 70 and 84) seemed like a disgracefully long time to wait for a trophy, yet we’re now at 20 years and look no closer.

Which is why imo we need to throw everything at the League Cup.

Okay, it’s not the biggest or best trophy, but to win it would make us... winners (win 3 rounds, it’s ours).

HK said the trophy that gave him most satisfaction was the FA Cup because it was the first one and the one that changed the mentality of the players. After we’d won it, he had no doubt that the next season we could win the title.

To me it is essential that those too young to have enjoyed us achieving success, get to see us parade something shiny – asap. Something that provides them with memories they’ll have for life, something they can point to and say ’I was there when we won the....’

Ray Roche
76 Posted 30/10/2015 at 11:54:25
Eugene, very true. I always feel for the younger supporters who have never witnessed us win anything, yet remain as hopeful and passionate as the rest of us. Born not manufactured indeed.

Whether us older guys regurgitating our memories irritates the younger lads, well, I never, ever tired of my Dad talking about Dean, Johnson, Dunn etc., and he never tired of telling me. If you know your history etc. That’s how we learn it.

Like you I’d love it if we actually won this Cup, it’s one that’e escaped us over the years and it would, at the very least, give the younger supporters something to really shout about.

John Keating
77 Posted 30/10/2015 at 11:55:25
We all have our own views about the present situation at the Club, which is causing divide and dissention amongst the support.

One thing that cannot be divisive is the knowledge that our great Club is absolute class. From Hillsboro to Howard's funeral, I doubt any Club could genuinely act with such heartfelt and sincere decorum and class.

We are all lucky to be part of this Club

Brian Denton
78 Posted 30/10/2015 at 13:21:17
Eugene: I remember in late 1971, when our decline was really becoming apparent, making a resolution not to visit a barber until Everton won a trophy.

Not, alas, a resolution I was able to keep. Got to 1973 if I recall correctly. There was one spell when we went 35 away league games in succession without winning. Bernie Wright was hailed as a saviour.

Bill did well yesterday – I was outside the cathedral and was told that he hadn’t turned up. This rather fuelled speculation, and one bloke wondered if Elstone had secured a two-for-one deal with the church authorities. Then of course he made that speech which (as it always does) summed up my ambiguity about Bill. If only he had been properly rich!

Peter Cummings
79 Posted 30/10/2015 at 13:32:48
So many heartfelt tributes from the best Evertonians in the world and I must thank the news media on their massive coverage of the funeral of a beloved Everton icon.

Like many of the posters on the site, I too have memories of our glory days and watching some of the greatest footballers in history play at Goodison: Ted Sagar, Tommy Jones, Tom Finney, Stan Matthews, Billy Liddell, Sam Bartram, George Best, Duncan Edwards, Wally Fielding... to name but a few.

My greatest memory was of paying the princely sum of eight quid for a ten bob ticket to that famous ’66 FA Cup Final, leaving Kirkby in my 20-year-old (untaxed) Ford Prefect with my mates at 5 am, ending up at the Wednesday end where all the goals went in. Never was money more well spent. Even more memorable was the birth of my first son two weeks later at Walton Hospital... you just can’t buy memories like this.

David Torpey
80 Posted 30/10/2015 at 13:32:50
Farewell, Great Man,

Thank you

Timothy Blanshard
81 Posted 30/10/2015 at 17:21:20
I think the club's next move will to rename one of the stands after Howard, plus I am sure a statue next to Dixie will be in the works.
John Keating
82 Posted 30/10/2015 at 18:51:56
The only sadness is that we did not acknowledge Howard’s status whilst he was still with us.

Something tangible with his name, a stand, statue, whatever, I am sure would have made him as proud as could be.

Tony Ashcroft
83 Posted 30/10/2015 at 23:53:55
Tell me ma, me ma,
To put the champagne on ice,
We're going to Wembly twice,
Tell me ma, me ma.
Michael Polley
84 Posted 31/10/2015 at 13:16:38
I listened to the eulogies yesterday. Peter Reid’s was full of humour, and BK’s left a tear in my eye. The Everton family came together and give the great man a fitting send off.

I never met HK other than glimpses of him in the dugout in some games, but I feel as if I know him. Thanks for those memories & trophies.

He is now with the other Toffee legends in Blue heaven, and still part of the soul of our club. Never forgotten, and always with us.


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