Bill Kenwright, long-time Everton chairman dies, aged 78

Kenwright took charge of Everton in 1999 before selling much of his stake to Farhad Moshiri in 2016

Bill Kenwright, the chairman of Premier League side Everton, has died at the age of 78. Kenwright, who joined the board at Goodison Park in 1989, was the longest serving chairman of the Merseyside club in a century and was also a theatre producer of renown. 

In 2015 he was diagnosed diagnosed with cancer whilst eight weeks ago he underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his liver. Everton, who say they are "in mourning", released a statement in which they added: "The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him."

A boyhood Evertonian who had made his fortune producing West End spectacles including Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Kenwright bought out Peter Johnson in 1999, becoming chairman five years later. His period at the Goodison Park helm was not a success in terms of silverware -- the last major honor won by the club is still the 1995 FA Cup -- but Everton did remain a Premier League club throughout his time in charge, albeit occasionally by the finest of margins.

In 2016 Kenwright sold most of his stake to Farhad Moshiri having concluded that greater financial muscle was required for Everton to compete at the highest level. Those new owners ultimately resolved the stadium conundrum that had bedevilled Kenwright though amid much fan frustration they are in the process of selling to 777 Partners. Kenwright did not attend another Everton game after protests on January 3.

Liverpool city council said in a statement: "Extremely sad news. Bill Kenwright was a true scouse powerhouse and passionate advocate of our city. What a life! What a legacy. In the arts and sport. Our thoughts are with everyone at Everton FC and Bill's family."