Former Everton and Tranmere chairman Peter Johnson dies aged 84

Former Everton and Tranmere Rovers chairman Peter Johnson has died aged 84.

Born in Liverpool in 1940, Johnson had built up an estimated net worth of £150million at his peak in the mid-1990s through his Birkenhead-based business, Park Foods.

Johnson bought his hometown club out of administration in 1987, with Tranmere enjoying an impressive run during the 1990s following his purchase. He then took control of Everton in 1994.

Although Johnson’s premiership saw the Blues win the FA Cup a year later, it also involved final-day battles for Premier League survival in 1994 and 1998. Amid mounting fan pressure, he eventually sold his shares to Bill Kenwright in 1999.

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During his time in charge at Prenton Park, Tranmere reached the second-tier play-offs on three occasions, as well as making the League Cup final in 2000. Johnson sold the club to former Football Association chief Mark Palios and his wife, Nicola, in 2014, and spent his final years in Monaco and France.

“It is with great sadness that the Johnson family share the news that Peter Johnson has today passed away at the age of 84,” a statement from Johnson’s family read.

“Peter died peacefully surrounded by his partner, Mel, and daughters, Susie, Kate and Charlotte.

“A devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Peter was the centre of our world and always happiest when surrounded by his friends and relatives.

“His impact though spread much further than his family, with his charitable work at home, through the Johnson Foundation, benefitting thousands of people throughout the Liverpool City Region and raising more