A legendary footballer and manager who won two European Cups with Everton and managed the team to two league titles, earning a revered status in English football history.
Howard Kendall was an English footballer and manager who left an indelible mark on the beautiful game, earning a revered status as a legend of Everton FC. As a midfielder, Kendall was an integral part of the iconic "Holy Trinity" alongside Alan Ball and Colin Harvey, and later, as a manager, he guided the Toffees to unprecedented success, winning two league titles, an FA Cup, and a European Cup Winners' Cup.
Kendall joined Preston North End as an apprentice in 1963, turning professional two years later. At 17 years and 345 days, he became the youngest player to feature in a Wembley final, narrowly missing out on FA Cup glory in 1964. This early taste of success propelled Kendall into the limelight, and in 1967, he made the switch to Everton, where he would forge a legacy that would last a lifetime.
Kendall's midfield trio with Ball and Harvey, affectionately known as the "Holy Trinity," was the driving force behind Everton's on-field dominance. Together, they secured the First Division title, the Charity Shield, and narrowly missed out on FA Cup triumph in 1968. Kendall's exceptional leadership and vision on the pitch earned him the captain's armband, a role he held for three seasons before moving to Birmingham City in 1974.
Kendall's managerial journey began with Blackburn Rovers in 1979, but it was his return to Everton in 1981 that marked the beginning of the club's golden era. As player-manager, he guided the team to two league titles, an FA Cup, three Charity Shields, and the 1985 European Cup Winners' Cup. Kendall's managerial acumen and ability to motivate his players created a sense of unity and purpose, making Everton a formidable force in English football.
Kendall's managerial career took him to Spain, where he managed Athletic Bilbao, and later to Manchester City, before returning to Everton for a third stint. His final managerial positions included spells with Xanthi, Notts County, and Sheffield United, where he masterminded a remarkable playoff final appearance in 1997.
Howard Kendall's remarkable career, both on and off the pitch, has left an enduring legacy in English football. His commitment to the beautiful game, his passion for Everton, and his ability to inspire generations of players and fans alike have cemented his status as a true legend of the sport. Despite his passing in 2015, Kendall's contributions to football will continue to inspire and influence future generations of players, managers, and fans.
"The Holy Trinity was a special bond, we were more than just teammates, we were friends."
"Everton will always be in my heart, it's where I grew up, where I fell in love with the game, and where I achieved some of my greatest triumphs."
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