Howard Kendall Everton
Simon Kendall, son of the legendary Everton manager Howard Kendall, recently shared insights into his father’s illustrious career and the personal significance of his achievements. Speaking to ECHO Everton reporter Chris Beesley, Simon reflected on the moments that defined his father’s legacy at the club, a decade after his passing.
Simon Kendall said: “I think the first league title as a manager was a big one for him. For the second one, so many big names were out at the start of the season as well. I remember that season, I was a ball boy at Goodison with a load of my team-mates for some kind of schoolboy game on the same night that we played down at Oxford and lost. Afterwards, I was sat in the car of a friend of ours which was full of Liverpool fans, getting a ride home, I just wanted the ground to swallow me up as you knew we were in trouble then. In terms of personal importance, maybe not as much, but it was probably a bigger achievement.”
Howard Kendall, born on May 22, 1946, in Ryton, County Durham, was a pivotal figure in Everton’s history. As a player, he was part of the revered midfield trio known as ‘The Holy Trinity,’ alongside Colin Harvey and Alan Ball, securing the League Championship in 1970. His managerial tenure at Everton, beginning in 1981, was equally remarkable, with two League Championships, an FA Cup, and a European Cup-Winners’ Cup to his name. This made him the first individual to win major honors at Everton as both a player and a manager, a distinction later matched only by Joe Royle.
Kendall’s decision to leave Everton for Athletic Club in Bilbao shortly after winning the second league title in 1987 introduced significant changes for his family. Simon recounted the challenges and the affection they developed for the region during this transition.
Simon Kendall said: “It was a big change. We were a little bit up in the air as to what we were going to do as a family. At one point, we were all going over with dad and then there were some concerns over what schooling might look like for us. Then at another point, I think I was staying behind with friends and my sisters were going over with mum and dad. In the end, dad went on his own. He had a room in the training ground and lived there for the whole time that he was there. We stayed behind in Formby and travelled out to Spain on numerous occasions. Dad loved it. He talked so fondly of his time there, made some great friends, loved the club. It was just a great experience for all of us.”
Kendall’s move to Spain was partly motivated by the desire to compete in European football, a prospect hindered by the Heysel ban during his time at Everton. The opportunity to manage in a European league and focus on coaching, given Athletic Club’s strict Basque-only recruitment policy, was a significant factor in his decision.
Simon Kendall said: “I think not being able to play in Europe was a big factor on the back of Heysel. He wanted to challenge himself in Europe, not just European football but I think the opportunity to manage a team in a European league was a big factor.”
Howard Kendall’s legacy at Everton remains profound, with his achievements continuing to inspire and resonate with fans and family alike.
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