Everton legends and players pay tribute to former chairman Bill Kenwright following his death aged 78, while Wayne Rooney and David Moyes praise the Toffees icon for being a “wonderful man” and “doing everything for the club”.

Everton icons and current players have shared their heartfelt condolences following the death of Bill Kenwright, with David Moyes and Wayne Rooney paying tribute to the former chairman.

The Toffees will play their first game since Kenwright’s death aged 78 when they face West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday.

Kenwright was Everton chairman for 19 years after succeeding Sir Phillip Carter in 2004.

His time at the club has seen periods of great success and more recently difficulty, and Everton legends have shared some of their fondest memories of Kenwright in the build-up to Sunday’s game.

West Ham manager David Moyes, who previously managed the Toffees for 11 years, described Kenwright as a “wonderful man” on Sky Sports and expressed his sadness at the news of his death.

Tributes have poured in for former chairman Bill Kenwright from former Everton players and club icons

Wreaths were laid in memory of Kenwright before Everton’s game against West Ham on Sunday

Former Everton superstar Wayne Rooney praised the influence Kenwright had on his development at the club

“Incredibly sad news.” Wonderful man. “He gave me a chance in my career and gave me excellent support,” said Moyes.

“As a young coach I couldn’t have had a better chairman.” When I look at modern football these days and how difficult it is for young managers to find their way, Bill Kenwright was great to work with.

“He will be sadly missed and to all the family, you know how I feel.” “Really disappointed that Bill is gone,” he added.

Rooney, who first burst onto the Premier League stage as a 16-year-old with Everton, expressed similar thoughts as he expressed his sadness at the news.

The Manchester United and England legend, who now manages Birmingham in the Championship, said: “I’ve known him since I was a little kid.” [Kenwright] for a long time. I had a good relationship with him.

“He’s Everton through and through. “I know he’s had a hard time with what’s happened at Everton over the last few years, but everything he’s done has been from the right place.

“The Everton players will know that he gave everything he could for the club. “He will be sorely missed.”

Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford praised the former chairman’s fundraising efforts, adding: “Every time you saw him he was full of joy.” “He had a huge influence on people and also because of his work for charities always ready to help people.”

Current Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford acknowledged Kenwright’s presence at the club

Everton captain Seamus Coleman and club manager Sean Dyche expressed their heartfelt condolences following Kenwright’s death

Tributes continued to pour in throughout Sunday afternoon, with Everton captain Seamus Coleman describing how much Kenwright will be missed at Goodison Park.

“He had a very special way of making all of his players feel special and very important, whether it was a big hug when he saw you or a text message to numerous players after a game.”

“We will all miss him so much.” “We just want to remember him and all the good times,” Coleman said.

A joint tribute to Kenwright and Sir Bobby Charlton was held at the London Stadium on Sunday

Sean Dyche – the last Everton manager appointed by Kenwright – explained: “He was nothing but supportive even in difficult times. “He was someone you could answer the phone to, he always had time for you.

“He always wanted to find out what was going on and get to know the mood of the camp, the players, the mood and the individuals. “He often tells me his wisdom about Everton Football Club and what we should do!’

Former Everton and Man United striker Louis Saha also paid tribute to Kenwright, saying: “The spirit of that guy was enormous.” It was all about those values. It was the identity of the club.’

There will be a joint tribute to Kenwright and Sir Bobby Charlton at the London Stadium before kick-off between West Ham and Everton.