“Rest in Peace” – Wayne Rooney, Jamie Carragher and Hundreds Mourn Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright’s Tragic Passing

The English soccer community suffered another tragic loss days after the death of Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton. Everton chairman Bill Kenwright passed away on Monday at the age of 78. Kenwright will be fondly remembered for his accomplishments, as he climbed up the ladder as a lifelong Everton fan to eventually owning the club.

Apart from his work with the Toffees, the seventy-eight-year-old was also a known theater affectionate. Kenwright produced more than 500 West End, Broadway, and international theatre productions, films, and albums over the course of his career. However, Everton always remained his first love.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright passes away at seventy-eight

Premier League side Everton took to their social media last night as they announced the tragic passing of Bill Kenwright. The late chairman of the club was diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and was recently in intensive care after surgery to remove a tumor from his liver. Everton issued a statement, following his death, stating that he passed away peacefully while being alongside his family during his final moments.

“Everton Football Club is in mourning following the death of Chairman Bill Kenwright CBE, who passed away peacefully last night aged 78, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Everton’s longest-serving chairman for more than a century, Bill Kenwright led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football,” read the statement.

“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,” it added.

Kenwright was a lifelong Everton fan who joined the club’s board of directors back in 1989. Ten years after joining the club, the late chairman took over the club in 1999 with his True Blue Holdings consortium, acquiring the club from Peter Johnson. While he served as the club’s vice president following the takeover, Kenwright transitioned as Everton’s chairman in 2004.

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With the club enduring the longest trophy drought in its history and several stadium projects collapsing on his watch, Kenwright eventually lost the support and backing from fans. In 2016, after a lengthy search for new investment, Kenwright sold the majority of his stake to Farhad Moshiri, who allowed him to remain as chairman. In remembrance, former players and fans took to their social media in numbers to offer their condolences for the seventy-eight-year-old following his passing.

Wayne Rooney and Jamie Carragher amongst hundreds mourn the tragic loss

Former Everton star Wayne Rooney took to his Instagram account as he penned an emotional message for Bill Kenwright following his death. Rooney credited the late chairman for having a big impact on his career and how he will always be a big inspiration for the striker.

“Devastated to hear the sad news about Bill Kenwright. Known Bill since I was young and he’s had a huge impact on me as a person and my career. Great man and a big inspiration. Thoughts are with all Bill’s family and friends 💙,” read the post.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also took to Instagram as he added a graphic posted by his former club to offer his condolences.

Tottenham Hotspur star, and former Everton striker Richarlison commented under Everton’s post claiming he’s grateful for Kenwright’s contribution to his career. “RIP, Mr Bill! I’ll always be grateful for what you did for me 😢💙🙏🏽”

Richarlison made a name for himself in the Premier League playing for Everton making 152 appearances for the club.

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Despite losing his popularity amongst the fans following some disastrous campaigns, Kenwright continued to serve the club. One fan said that his thoughts were with the chairman’s family following the tragic loss. “Rip Bill. Thoughts with your family and friends💙 loved the club truly can never doubt that🔵”

Everton is set to pay tribute to their late chairman during their upcoming away game against West Ham United.