Everton Football Club, on Tuesday, confirmed the death of its Chairman Bill Kenwright, who reportedly passed away at the age of 78.
Born and raised in Everton, Kenwright joined the board in 1989 and became chairman in 2004.
He guided the team through a time when English football saw an unheard-of transformation.
Under his direction, Everton achieved twelve top-eight results, including four-place results in 2005, a trip to the FA Cup final in 2009, and six European qualification spots.
In addition to his achievements in football, Kenwright was a titan of West End theatre and one of the most prosperous theatre moguls in the United Kingdom.
Blood Brothers and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat are two musicals he produced.
Kenwright who had just had surgery to remove a malignancy from his liver, was reportedly fighting cancer prior to his passing. He was predicted to have a “lengthy but complete” recovery, even if complications necessitated an extended stay in intensive care.
“A chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration had been lost”, the club said.
Kenwright’s great influence on sport and the arts is reflected in the abundance of tributes that have been received from the football community and beyond.