Everton great Howard Kendall dies at the age of 69

Former Everton manager Howard Kendall has died at the age of 69.

Everton confirmed the news on Saturday morning and hailed him as their "most successful manager."

In a statement, the club announced: "It is with great sadness that Everton Football Club has learned of the passing of Howard Kendall."

"The most successful manager in the history of the club and one of the greatest players to pull on the Everton jersey. He passed away in hospital in Southport this morning at the age of 69, surrounded by loved ones.

"The thoughts of everyone associated with the club are with Howard's family at this difficult time."

Gary Lineker, who Kendall signed for Everton, tweeted: "Saddened to hear that Howard Kendall has passed away. Brilliantly managed the best club side I ever played for at Everton. Great bloke."

Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher tweeted: "RIP Howard Kendall the greatest EFC manager there's been. He gave me some of my best football memories especially in the 84/85 season."

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish added: "Very very sad news about Howard Kendall. total respect for him as a player manager and person. Fantastic character. Be sadly missed. A legend."

Kendall won the title with the club as a player in 1969 as part of the famous 'Holy Trinity' along with Alan Ball and Colin Harvey, but undoubtedly his best achievements came when he returned to Goodison Park in 1981 as manager.

Kendall ended a 14-year trophy drought by winning the FA Cup in 1984, beating Watford 2-0 in the final, and reaching the League Cup final - then the Milk Cup - where they lost to Liverpool.

The following season was the greatest in the club's history - they won the First Division title and the European Cup Winners' Cup, beating Rapid Vienna 3-1 in the final.

Kendall guided Everton to the First Division title again in 1986/87, but with English clubs banned from Europe, he chose to leave, moving to Athletic Bilbao.

The team he assembled in the 1980s made them a powerhouse of European football. Kendall brought through the likes of Neville Southall, Kevin Ratcliffe, Derek Mountfield, Graeme Shape, Trevor Steven, Peter Reid and Kevin Sheedy, turning them into household names. He bought well too, bringing in the likes of Andy Gray and Lineker who were hugely successful strikers for him.

Kendall, who started his managerial career at Blackburn Rovers, went on to take charge at Athletic Bilbao, Manchester City, Greek side Xanthi, Notts County, Sheffield United and another Greek side, Ethnikos Pireus, as well as two more spells with the Toffees.