'Meant the world to us' - Seamus Coleman and Duncan Ferguson pay tribute to Bill Kenwright
Everton captain Seamus Coleman and club great Duncan Ferguson have issued tributes to Bill Kenwright, who has died aged 78
Everton captain Seamus Coleman and iconic forward Duncan Ferguson have paid heartfelt tributes to Bill Kenwright following his death.
Kenwright passed away peacefully on Monday night surrounded by his family and loved ones. Tributes from the club's owner Farhad Moshiri as well as former Blues stars such as Wayne Rooney and Tim Cahill flooded in when the news broke on Tuesday (October 24) evening.
Coleman described the 78-year-old as more than a friend, in a statement posted on the official Everton website. He said: "Bill Kenwright was more than a chairman to me. He was a friend. The way he treated me and my family when I first came to the club from Ireland was incredible.
READ MORE: Bill Kenwright lived an Everton dream and his legacy will endure for city of Liverpool
"It meant the world to us and was a massive part of me settling in and having a career with Everton. And I know that I am far from being the only player to be able to say that.
"The chairman never interfered and very rarely visited the dressing room, but we all knew that he was there if we needed him. And when he did speak to us as a group, we listened because he knew our club as well as anyone.
"He was inspirational, he was so kind, he loved Everton, and his presence will be sorely missed. My thoughts, and those of my family, are with Jenny and the rest of his family at this very, very sad time."
Ferguson enjoyed a successful playing career at Goodison Park, winning the FA Cup in 1995, before stints on the coaching staff as assistant manager and caretaker manager, in recent years.
Alan Myers tweeted a tribute from Ferguson, which read: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Everton chairman and true Blue, Bill Kenwright. He loved the club with a passion and he loved the players who wore the famous Royal Blue shirt, every one of them.
"None more so than The Cannonball Kid, Dave Hickson, his childhood and forever hero. He was my chairman for many years and a confidant. You were loved, Bill, and you will be missed. Rest In Peace. God bless."