Former Everton manager Howard Kendall has died at the age of 69.
Kendall won the title with the club as a player in 1969 as part of the famous "Holy Trinity" along with Alan Ball and Colin Harvey, but undoubtedly his best achievements came when he returned to Goodison Park in 1981.
Within three years he had won the First Division championship, repeating the feat in 1987, while also winning the FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup in the club's most successful era in which the Toffees became a powerhouse of British football.
We are devastated to learn of the passing of Everton Giant Howard Kendall. pic.twitter.com/hKBuDeKraW
- Everton (@Everton) October 17, 2015
An Everton statement read: "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.
"A full tribute will appear shortly.
"The thoughts of everyone associated with the Club are with Howard's family at this difficult time and it would be appreciated if everyone could respect their request for privacy."
Former Everton striker Gary Lineker wrote on Twitter: "Saddened to hear that Howard Kendall has passed away. Brilliantly managed the best club side I ever played for at Everton. Great bloke #RIP"
Kendall played for Preston, Birmingham, Stoke and Blackburn, before also managing Blackburn, Athletic Bilbao, Manchester City, Notts County, Sheffield United and Greek sides Xanthi and Ethnikos Piraeus.
Information from the Press Association was used in this report.