Blues, Aston Villa, Wolves and West Brom have also paid tributes to Bill Kenwright, who has died at the age of 78
Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney has paid tribute to Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, who died at the age of 78.
Rooney rose through the ranks at Everton before breaking into the first team. The former England star is “devastated” by Kenwright’s death, which he says had a “huge impact” on his career and life.
Kenwright, who became chairman of Goodison Park in 2004 after first joining the board in 1989, underwent liver cancer surgery in August.
“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,” said a statement on the club’s website.
“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.”
Everton owner Farhad Moshiri wrote his own tribute to his “great friend”, describing Kenwright as “a special soul, a man successful in so many different walks of life”.
“There can be no mistaking that Bill loved Everton football club,” Moshiri wrote. “He spoke with an infectious enthusiasm about every aspect of Everton, from the legends of yesteryear to his unconditional support for everyone that wears the blue shirt and represents the club…
“Bill loved Goodison Park, a stadium that held so many special memories but he also shared in an incredible vision for our new stadium and when the club moves in I don’t think anyone would have been prouder.
“The new Everton Stadium at Bramy-Moorele Dock will provide an iconic new home for the club on the banks of the Royal Blue Mersey and will stand as a lasting legacy to his memory.”
Rooney posted his own tribute on social media, saying: “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.”
