LONDON, Oct. 17 (Xinghua) -- Howard Kendall, recognized as the greatest ever manager at English premiership Club Everton, died Saturday at the age of 69.
Within minutes of his death being announced tributes poured in from the footballing world, a sign of the respect for the player turned manager who took Everton to glory, time and time again.
Players and spectators at Everton's home game with Manchester United today were being asked to observe a minute's silence in memory of the hero of Goodison Park.
Former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish tweeted: "Total respect for him as a player manager and person. Fantastic character, a legend"
Player turned television personality Gary Lineker commented: "Brilliantly managed the best club side I ever played for at Everton. Great bloke."
Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher said: "Howard Kendall the greatest Everton manager there's been. He gave me some of my best football memories."
As a player Kendall made over 200 appearances as a midfielder. As manager in the 1980s he led Everton to two league titles, as well as the FA cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1985. He also took Everton to two other FA Cup finals at Wembley.
Dave Prentice, veteran Everton journalist at the local Liverpool Echo newspaper commented: "The greatest manager in Everton's history and a lovely, lovely man has passed away."
In a statement, posted on its club website, Everton FC said: "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."
His managerial career spanned more than 700 games. After Everton, Kendall went to Spain to manage Athletic Bilbao, before returning to England to manage Manchester City, followed by his second stint as Everton manager at Goodison Park. He also had spells as manager at Blackburn Rovers, Notts County and Sheffield United.
