.
Subscribe to receive Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter for no cost, directly in your email inbox.
Join Miguel Delaney’s weekly newsletter for free.
At a memorial ceremony for the former chairman of Everton, Bill Kenwright, people have offered their respects to the beloved “no bigger Blue”.
Kenwright passed away at the age of 78 in October, following a significant surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his liver. His loved ones held a modest, intimate funeral, while his acquaintances from the realms of soccer and show business gathered at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral to honor his memory.
Present at the event were the current manager of Toffees, Sean Dyche, along with his first-team players and the club’s youth teams. Former managers and players were also in attendance.
Kenny Dalglish, a former player and official of Liverpool, led a group that included Tony Bellew, a boxer and runner-up on I’m A Celebrity, and Coleen Rooney, the wife of former Everton player Wayne Rooney. Other celebrities from the entertainment industry were also present.
Manchester’s mayor and a devoted fan of Everton, Andy Burnham, expressed that Bill was the ultimate Blue and had the biggest heart.
Bill Kenwright’s legacy consists of numerous generous actions that positively impacted the lives of thousands.
At Bramley-Moore Dock, a new stadium is being built for the club to relocate to in the 2025-26 season. Burnham stated that Kenwright’s goal has been achieved.
Burnham’s proudest moment was when Kenwright was invited to speak at the 25th anniversary service for the Hillsborough disaster at Anfield.
In 2014, the chairman of my football club delivered a speech in front of the Kop that was both powerful and emotional. This was his shining moment, and I couldn’t have been more proud of him on that day.
After losing her son James in the Hillsborough disaster that resulted in 97 deaths in 1989, Margaret Aspinall, former chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, developed a strong bond with the former chairman of Everton, who had extended his support following the tragedy.
She stated, “Our city will greatly miss Bill. Bill Kenwright will always have our support.”
Jenny Seagrove, an actress and long-time partner of Kenwright, acknowledged, “He was not just my Bill, he was our Bill. He always remembered his roots.”
Peter Reid, a former midfielder for Everton, also shared his thoughts at the event, stating, “It would be a great honor to win a trophy in his memory. No pressure, Dychey.”
When Seamus Coleman joined the club from Sligo Rovers in 2009, he was informed by the current captain that Kenwright played a crucial role in explaining the significance of Everton Football Club to the fans. The captain expressed gratitude to the chairman for making him a loyal Everton supporter.
Not related to soccer, Rufus Norris, the National Theatre’s artistic director, praised Kenwright as “legendary”.
“He was a renowned figure in the theatrical realm,” he stated.
The Spirit choir of Everton in the Community performed “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” by Elton John, and there were also solo performances by Marti Pellow and former Spice Girl Mel C. Mel C sang a song from Kenwright’s long-running West End musical Blood Brothers.
Due to his background in theater, the audience gave a standing ovation at the end, with Kenwright himself saying: “For the final time, good night and God bless.”
Source: independent.co.uk
