Howard Kendall son Simon has revealed which of his father’s Everton triumphs held the greatest meaning to him as the club marks 10 years since the legendary manager’s passing.
Kendall, who died aged 69 in 2014, remains Everton’s most successful boss, winning two League Championships, an FA Cup and the European Cup-Winners’ Cup during his first spell in charge after previously starring as a player.
Speaking on the Royal Blue podcast, Simon said his father’s first league title as a manager was the one that meant the most.
“I think the first league title as a manager was a big one for him,” he told the ECHO. “He took each success as a springboard for what would come next. But certainly, I think the first league title was special.”
He added that the second title was “probably a better achievement” given the injuries and the departure of Gary Lineker, though it may not have held the same personal importance for his father.
Kendall left Everton in 1987 to take charge of Athletic Club in Bilbao, where he remains fondly remembered. Simon recalled how his father “loved” his time in Spain, describing the Basque people as “very warm and welcoming.”
“Dad loved it. He talked so fondly of his time there, made some great friends, loved the club,” Simon said. “It was just a great experience for all of us.”
To honour Kendall’s most famous night at Goodison Park the 3-1 comeback win over Bayern Munich in April 1985 Everton’s timing partner Christopher Ward has launched The Goodison 3.1 Automatic, a limited-edition watch celebrating that iconic evening.
Fans who pre-order before midnight on Saturday, October 18, will enter a draw to win tickets for an exclusive event with members of the 1985 team and backroom staff next March.
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