Hailing from the humble town of Ryton, Howard Kendall’s footballing odyssey commenced when he joined Preston North End as a young apprentice. His meteoric rise was foreshadowed in 1964 when, at the tender age of 17, he etched his name in history by becoming the youngest player to grace the hallowed turf of Wembley during Preston’s FA Cup final clash against West Ham United.
Despite Liverpool’s spirited pursuit of his talents in 1966, Kendall’s destiny lay elsewhere, as he was lured to the hallowed grounds of Goodison Park the following year for a fee of ยฃ85,000. It was here that he would forge an indelible legacy, both as a player and a manager, leaving an everlasting imprint on the hearts of Evertonians worldwide.
The “Holy Trinity” Unveiled
Upon his arrival at Everton, Kendall seamlessly integrated into the midfield triumvirate alongside Alan Ball and Colin Harvey, a formidable trio christened “The Holy Trinity.” Their symbiotic interplay and unwavering determination propelled the Toffees to unprecedented heights, culminating in the coveted First Division title during the 1969-70 season.
Despite this triumph, the subsequent years witnessed a period of flux, with Everton struggling to replicate their former glories amidst Liverpool’s ascendancy. Kendall’s departure to Birmingham City in 1974 marked the end of an era, but his indelible mark on the club’s history had already been etched.
The Prodigal Son’s Return
In a twist of fate that would reverberate through the ages, Kendall returned to the Goodison Park dugout in 1981, this time as a player-manager. His mission? To restore Everton’s faded glory and reclaim their rightful place among England’s elite.
The road to redemption was arduous, with Kendall staring down the barrel of dismissal in 1983 amidst fan unrest and a dismal league position. However, a pivotal FA Cup tie against Stoke City ignited a spark that would soon engulf the nation, as Everton embarked on an unforgettable journey to Wembley.
The Resurrection Begins
Kendall’s tactical acumen and man-management skills were on full display as he meticulously assembled a squad capable of conquering all obstacles. The signings of Neville Southall, Trevor Steven, and Peter Reid proved instrumental in this renaissance, laying the foundations for an era of unprecedented dominance.
The 1983-84 season witnessed Everton’s triumphant return to glory, as they clinched the FA Cup with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Watford, banishing the demons of the past and reigniting the passion of the Goodison faithful.
The Golden Age Unfolds
Buoyed by their FA Cup triumph, Everton entered the 1984-85 campaign with renewed vigor and an insatiable hunger for success. Kendall’s tactical masterclass and the unwavering spirit of his charges propelled them to an emphatic First Division title, their first in 15 years.
However, the crowning jewel of this remarkable season was Everton’s conquest of the European Cup Winners’ Cup, a feat that cemented Kendall’s status as a managerial icon. The Blues’ dominance continued unabated, as they narrowly missed out on an unprecedented treble, falling agonizingly short in both the League and FA Cup finals against their bitter rivals, Liverpool.
The Merseyside Supremacy
Undeterred by the heartbreak of the previous campaign, Everton roared back in the 1986-87 season, reclaiming the First Division crown with a commanding nine-point advantage over Liverpool. This triumph not only underscored Kendall’s tactical prowess but also signified Everton’s ascendancy as the preeminent force on Merseyside, a position they had coveted for decades.
The European Exile
Tragically, Everton’s euphoria was short-lived, as the Heysel Stadium disaster of 1985 cast a dark shadow over English football, resulting in a blanket ban on English clubs from European competitions. Frustrated by this setback and the missed opportunities for further continental glory, Kendall reluctantly departed Goodison Park in 1987, accepting the managerial reins at Spanish giants Athletic Bilbao.
The Prodigal Returns, Once More
Despite his sojourn in Spain, the lure of Everton proved irresistible, and Kendall found himself back on Merseyside in 1990, tasked with resurrecting the club’s fortunes once more. Alas, the magic of his previous tenure proved elusive, and after a brief resurgence, Kendall’s second spell ended in disappointment, culminating in his resignation in December 1993.
The Final Curtain Call
Fate, it seemed, had one last twist in store for Kendall and Everton. In 1997, amidst a tumultuous period for the club, the prodigal son returned for a third and final act. While his tenure was marred by financial constraints and a nail-biting battle against relegation, Kendall’s unwavering commitment to the Everton cause never wavered.
Ultimately, his final departure in 1998 marked the end of an era, but his legacy as one of Everton’s greatest managers remained etched in the annals of the club’s history, a testament to his unwavering dedication and the indelible mark he left on the hearts of Evertonians worldwide.
A Managerial Mastermind
Kendall’s managerial prowess extended far beyond his tactical acumen on the pitch. His ability to identify and nurture talent was unparalleled, as evidenced by the meteoric rise of players like Neville Southall, Peter Reid, and Trevor Steven under his tutelage.
Moreover, Kendall’s man-management skills were second to none, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie within his squads that transcended mere on-field exploits. His unwavering belief in his players and his ability to inspire them to reach new heights were hallmarks of his managerial philosophy.
A Legacy Etched in Everton’s History
As the curtain fell on Kendall’s managerial career, his impact on Everton remained indelible. He had not only restored the club’s pride and prestige but had also crafted a team that would be revered for generations to come.
The exploits of the mid-1980s, when Everton briefly usurped Liverpool’s dominance on Merseyside, remain etched in the collective memory of Evertonians worldwide. Kendall’s teams embodied the very essence of the club’s motto, “Nil Satis Nisi Optimum” โ nothing but the best is good enough.
Honouring a True Evertonian
Howard Kendall’s passing in 2015 at the age of 69 sent shockwaves through the Everton faithful, prompting an outpouring of tributes and heartfelt condolences. His induction into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2005 and his status as an “Everton Giant” serve as fitting testaments to his enduring legacy.
As the years pass, Kendall’s name will forever be synonymous with Everton’s golden age, a period when the club scaled unprecedented heights and etched its name among the pantheon of English football’s greatest teams. His impact transcended mere trophies and accolades, for he instilled a sense of pride and belief in a generation of Evertonians, reminding them that their beloved club was capable of greatness.
In the annals of Everton’s rich history, Howard Kendall’s name will forever shine as a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the unwavering spirit of a true Evertonian can ignite a renaissance that will echo through the ages.