Chairman Bill Kenwright, Everton Football Club’s Longest-Serving Leader in Over a Century, Passes Away on October 23 Following a Courageous Battle with Illness.
Bill Kenwright, Chairman and Longest-Serving Leader of Everton Football Club in Over a Century, Succumbs to Illness on October 23, Displaying Incredible Courage throughout His Battle
During his 19-year tenure as chairman, the 78-year-old guided the club with a steady and assured hand through a time of significant turbulence and change in the football landscape.
Bill Kenwright: From Everton Fan to Board Member
Born in Wavertree on September 4, 1945, Bill Kenwright, a devoted Everton supporter, grew up idolizing Dave Hickson, the fearless striker known as the Cannonball Kid. He recalled, “I’d get two buses and a tram to watch Dave Hickson, my all-time hero, and I was safe. If he’s there and my team is there, I could be all on my own, but I’m safe.” On October 23, 1989, this lifelong fan officially joined the board.
Bill Kenwright: From Crisis to Triumph at Everton
In the autumn of 1999, Bill Kenwright was tasked with resolving a club crisis. His True Blue Holdings consortium took over from Peter Johnson’s regime, with the paperwork finalized on Boxing Day 1999, and they marked their arrival with a resounding 5-0 victory over a high-flying Sunderland team. Initially serving as vice-chairman, he assumed the role of chairman in June 2004, and over the next 19 seasons, Everton achieved 12 top-eight finishes, including a remarkable top-four finish in 2005 and an exciting run to the 2009 FA Cup final. They came close to more silverware in the 2012 FA Cup semi-final and the League Cup semi-finals of 2008 and 2016, along with six seasons of European competition participation.
Teaming up with manager David Moyes, he forged a strong partnership to elevate Everton’s position in English football. Before the club appointed a Director of Football in 2017, he played a significant role in transfer talks, utilizing his extensive connections and sharp instincts to secure remarkable transfers for Everton.
Chairman’s Impact on Transfers and Team Bonds
During his tenure, Tim Cahill, Joleon Lescott, John Stones, and Leighton Baines shone as shining examples of his transfer prowess. Notably, he signed Cahill for a mere £2.2m, turned a profit on Lescott with a £5m investment, and transformed Baines into a club legend after a £6m deal with Wigan Athletic. His personalized approach extended to addressing the players directly ahead of a crucial 2022 match against Newcastle, emphasizing his family-like treatment of the team.
Chairman’s Passion Spurs Everton to Victory Against Newcastle in 2022
Everton’s chairman, known for his familial treatment of players and staff, delivered a heartfelt speech at Finch Farm before a crucial 2022 match against Newcastle. His passion for the club inspired the players, with Andros Townsend and Alex Iwobi praising his dedication. The result: a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Everton, even with 10 men on the field.
Chairman Ken Wright’s Legacy: Everton’s Transformation and Commitment.
Chairman Kenwright worked tirelessly on transfer deals even on the eve of his recent major surgery. Under his leadership, Everton realized the dream of a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, set to be an iconic home and a commercial boon. The club also relocated to a modern headquarters at the Royal Liver Building and upgraded its training facilities at Finch Farm. Despite these changes, Everton remains dedicated to a vibrant legacy project at Goodison Park, thanks to Mr. Kenwright’s vision.
Bill Kenwright: Everton’s Generous Champion On and Off the Field
Bill Kenwright, renowned for his accomplishments in the world of theater and film, was the benevolent face of Everton during his tenure. He oversaw over £10 million in investments in the community campus, including the People’s Hub, Blue Base, and the Everton Free School. The People’s Place, a groundbreaking mental health facility initiated by a football club, opened this year.
While a private individual, Bill willingly stepped forward as the public face of the club when needed. His moving speech at Anfield on the 24th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy, where he declared, “They took on the wrong city – and they took on the wrong Mums,” received wide acclaim and a standing ovation from the Kop. Bill’s unwavering support became a pillar of strength for many grieving families, forming a close bond with Margaret Aspinall, the chair of the Hillsborough Family Support group, affectionately named ‘Magnificent Margaret.’
A Moving Tribute: Bill Kenwright’s Gesture of Unity
In 2012, after an independent report cleared Liverpool fans of blame for the Hillsborough tragedy and exposed a cover-up, Bill Kenwright orchestrated a touching tribute. At Everton’s first home match following the report’s publication, two mascots led the players onto the pitch in a show of solidarity. One, a young girl in Everton blue, wore the number 9, while the other, a boy in Liverpool red, had the number 6 on their shirts.
Accompanied by a poignant soundtrack, courtesy of Bill’s extensive music knowledge, The Hollies’ “He Ain’t Heavy, he’s my brother” resonated through the stadium as players and mascots gathered around the center circle. The tribute was a powerful symbol of unity and remembrance.
Bill Kenwright: A Heartfelt Humanitarian and Resolute Leader
Bill Kenwright’s compassion shone when he invited young Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery, battling cancer, to Goodison Park and supported his treatment with a £200,000 donation. Their friendship endured until Bradley’s untimely passing. Bill’s generosity extended to various causes, including a £140,000 donation to Speedo Mick, £250,000 for the Ukraine disaster fund, and matching the club’s £250,000 pledge, all done quietly.
However, Bill could also be a formidable force. When six Premier League clubs aimed to establish a European Super League, Bill and his board staunchly led the resistance, denouncing the breakaway clubs for their “preposterous arrogance.”
Remembering Chairman Bill: The Legacy of Bill Kenwright
Bill Kenwright’s Impact on Everton in the Community:
- Mr. Kenwright played a pivotal role in the growth of Everton in the Community (EITC), a charity that he did not create but significantly improved during his tenure on the board.
- When he joined, EitC operated from a modest portacabin in the Park End car park with just two people. Under his stewardship, it expanded to more than 120 full-time staff and over 160 volunteers.
- EitC now offers over 50 programs addressing a wide range of social issues, from health and disability to youth engagement, dementia, poverty, and employability.
- The charity, flourishing under his leadership, has positively impacted thousands of people beyond just Everton Football Club.
Bill Kenwright’s Diverse Background:
- Bill Kenwright received his education at Liverpool Institute School after attending Booker Avenue County Primary School.
- He initially gained fame as an actor on Coronation Street, where he played the role of shopkeeper Gordon Clegg.
- His decision to leave the show after his 12-month contract expired in 1969 highlighted his single-minded, confident, and driven personality.
- Despite his early acting career, Kenwright was already a veteran of the West End stage, and he later shifted his focus to film and theater production, where he achieved remarkable success.
Success in Theater Production:
- Bill Kenwright’s theater company became one of the most prolific in the world, producing a vast number of shows.
- He was behind the global success of Willy Russell’s “Blood Brothers” and directed three hits by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Evita.”
- His contributions to the world of theater were recognized when he was appointed a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours in 2001.
Academic and Honorary Recognitions:
- Kenwright’s contributions extended to academia, where he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from Liverpool’s John Moores University.
- He received Honorary Doctorates from Liverpool and Nottingham Trent Universities and an Honorary Professorship from Thames Valley University.
Dedication to Everton Football Club:
- Even after the Club’s change in ownership, Bill Kenwright continued to serve as the chairman, valued for his knowledge, wisdom, and passion.
- His profound love for Everton remained evident throughout his tenure, with Kenwright expressing that there was “nothing like” seeing the blue shirt-clad players score a goal, not even a first night or a Tony award.
- An Enduring Legacy:
- Bill Kenwright leaves behind an immense void in both the entertainment industry and the world of football.
- His entrepreneurial success was vast, but it pales in comparison to his unwavering devotion to Everton Football Club.
In Memoriam: Rest in Peace, Chairman Bill.