Bill Kenwright leaves a legacy beyond Everton - and it is exactly what he would have wanted

It was shortly after 5pm when the news was confirmed, but the tributes to Bill Kenwright had already started to flood in.

A statement released on Tuesday evening confirmed that the Everton chairman and theatre impresario had passed away peacefully, aged 78, on Monday night, surrounded by his family and friends.

Kenwright leaves behind a legacy like no other. From the infamous 'Boys' Pen' to the boardroom as chairman and owner of the club he loved.

Kenwright was always a true blue. So it was little surprise to see just how treasured he was by so many of the club’s players, past and present.

Seamus Coleman and Sean Dyche pay tribute to Bill Kenwright at Goodison Park

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The tributes flooded in, and the theme was a familiar one. Each individual highlighted the support they had received from Kenwright, and not just during their time at the club.

It was what many in the game expected. It had long been known how much Kenwright cared for those connected to the club.

Actors and those from the arts world were also quick to pay tribute. Away from Goodison Park, Kenwright was one of the biggest players in theatreland.

When he eventually sold Everton to Farhad Moshiri in February 2016, a brighter new future appeared to be on the horizon. Finally, he had the billionaire he and the club had long craved.

But, ultimately, as time has shown, he picked the wrong billionaire.

Kenwright’s personal devotion to Everton was unquestionable. Yet there is also no getting away from the fact that some fans questioned his continued presence at the club in recent years.

In January, Kenwright and his fellow directors were told to stay away from Goodison Park for their own