Howard Kendall

Howard Kendall, born on May 22, 1946, was a distinguished English footballer and manager whose career spanned several decades. He began his journey in football as an apprentice at Preston North End, where he turned professional and made history by becoming the youngest player to participate in a Wembley final at the age of seventeen years and three hundred and forty-five days. During his time at Preston, he was a runner-up in the 1964 FA Cup.

In 1967, Kendall made a significant move to Everton, where he played as a midfielder alongside notable teammates Alan Ball and Colin Harvey, forming a celebrated trio known as 'The Holy Trinity.' His tenure at Everton was marked by numerous achievements, including winning the First Division title, the Charity Shield, and again being an FA Cup runner-up. After serving as club captain for three years, he transferred to Birmingham City in 1974, later joining Stoke City in 1977, where he transitioned into a player-coach role and contributed to the club's promotion from the Second Division.

Kendall's managerial career commenced in 1979 as a player-manager with Blackburn Rovers. He returned to Everton in 1981, again taking on the dual role of player-manager, although he retired from playing shortly thereafter. Under his management, Everton enjoyed remarkable success, securing two Football League titles, an FA Cup, three Charity Shields, and the prestigious 1985 European Cup Winners' Cup. His managerial journey took him to Spain with Athletic Bilbao in 1987, but after being sacked in 1989, he returned to England to manage Manchester City.

Following a brief stint in Manchester, Kendall returned to Everton but faced challenges in achieving consistent results, leading to his resignation after three mid-table seasons. He then had a short tenure with Greek side Xanthi and later managed Notts County before joining Sheffield United, where he successfully saved the club from relegation and led them to the 1997 play-off final. His third and final return to Everton as manager in June 1997 ended by mutual consent a year later, after a dramatic escape from relegation on the last day of the season.

In his later years, Kendall took charge of Ethnikos Piraeus in Greece, but was dismissed with the team at the bottom of the league. His legacy in football is cemented by his induction into the League Managers Association's 'Hall of Fame,' the English Football Hall of Fame, and his recognition as an 'Everton Giant.' Notably, he remains the last English manager to win a UEFA competition with an English club.