Directors

Bill Kenwright CBE 1945-2023

Bill Kenwright CBE 1945-2023

Our condolences go to Bill Kenwright’s family and loved ones, plus all those affected by his recent passing. Ken Rogers, Chairman of Everton FC Heritage Society, spoke to Paul Salt of Radio Merseyside Sport about his time spent with the late Everton chairman when working at the Echo: (22 mins in): Below is the official statement released by the club on the Chairman's passing; RIP, Chairman Bill Kenwright CBE
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Thomas Keates – Director and First Historian of Everton Football Club – An EFCHS original film

Thomas Keates – Director and First Historian of Everton Football Club – An EFCHS original film

Everton FC Heritage Society have made a new film about the life of Thomas Keates, an early director of Everton FC, and author of the first history of the club, published in 1929. Written and presented by EFCHS member Jamie Yates, he was inspired to delve further into Keates' past after discovering his damaged headstone in Anfield Cemetery while working on another project. We hope this will be the first of many more heritage films about Everton Football Club, as several more are already in the planning stage. Films are easily accessible via our YouTube Channel link on the main…
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Thomas Keates – Celebration of his Life, and Grave Rededication – news report

Thomas Keates – Celebration of his Life, and Grave Rededication – news report

Following on from our film* about the life of former Everton FC director, and first historian of the club, Thomas Keates, a celebration of his life and rededication of his grave took place at Anfield Cemetery on Saturday 9 September 2023. [* This film can be found at the end of this report] It was attended by several Heritage Society members, while Dave Prentice and Ian Snodin represented Everton Football Club. We were most pleased to welcome three direct descendants of Thomas Keates, which gave the day extra meaning knowing his blood relatives were able to be present and witness…
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The story behind the photograph – Tom McIntosh – Everton’s First Full-Time Secretary

The story behind the photograph – Tom McIntosh – Everton’s First Full-Time Secretary

Tom McIntosh is a significant off-pitch figure in Everton's story, yet, despite the club's achievements under his watch, he seems to have fallen through the cracks of the club's historical records and his contribution over 16 years is largely overlooked He came from humble beginnings. His Scottish father, Peter, left his native Nairn to become the resident baker at the lunatic asylum in Sedgefield, County Durham. Here he met Eleanor Hunter, an attendant at the asylum. Eleanor's sister Elisabeth and brother-in-law, Thomas Nokes, would also work at the institution (John rose to the position of Chief Attendant). Peter and Eleanor…
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The Life of Hunter Hart

The Life of Hunter Hart

Hunter Hart was always recognisable by a distinctive quiff which pre-dated that of Wolves' Billy Wright. He served Everton with distinction on the field in the 1920s and behind a desk in the 1930s but, unfortunately, his association with the club he loved was to end prematurely, as was his life. Born on Glasgow on 11 March 1897 to Alexander (a carter) and Jessie, Hart grew up less than half a mile from Celtic's stadium. By the age of 14, living in Shettleston, Lanarkshire, he had lost the sight in one eye,  in what was described as 'a childhood accident'.…
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Jack Search – “Gentleman Jack” – Everton Director

Jack Search – “Gentleman Jack” – Everton Director

Jack Search was born in 1915 above his father’s jewellers shop number at 87 Wavertree Road. He attended Brae Street School before heading to Liverpool Institute. In 1932, Jack left Liverpool Institute to further his studies at Liverpool Technical College where he did an engineering course for another 4 years. Jack was always a keen footballer since playing at school. His senior career began in 1933 when he played for Collegiate Old Boys. He was also a member of the old Liobians team at Liverpool Institute. Jack went on to represent Cheshire and he started attracting interest from other teams.…
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The Good Doctor of Everton

The Good Doctor of Everton

When William Baxter moved to Liverpool from Clitheroe, he opened his own business, as a Chemist and Druggist, at 259 Great Homer Street in Liverpool. Some years later he married a local girl with whom he began to raise a family. James Clement Baxter, the second child to bless this union, was born in 1857. He attended his local school, dedicated to St Frances Xavier, where he proved to be a bright pupil. He quickly moved on to the school's college, run by the Jesuit Order, from where he won a place to study medicine at the King and Queens…
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The Men Who Bankrolled Everton

The original History of the Everton Football Club, by Thomas Keates, published in 1928, tells us that James Clement Baxter, who was reported to have loaned them £1,000 [worth around £135,000 today] was the man credited with financing their move away from Anfield and over to Goodison Park. This alas, according the Liverpool newspapers, does not appear to be the case. The good Doctor did indeed make a generous donation to aid their departure but he was not alone in doing so. Several other people, some prominent local businessmen amongst them, were also credited with giving the club their support.These…
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‘Jack O’ Both Sides’ – The Life and Times of Jack Sharp (1878-1938)

‘Jack O’ Both Sides’ – The Life and Times of Jack Sharp (1878-1938)

  Jack Sharp sits in exalted company as one of England’s few dual cricket and football internationals. To Evertonians he is much more than that – an iconic player, captain, FA Cup winner, club director and founder of Liverpool’s best known sports outfitters. Born on 15 February in Everton’s founding year, Jack (christened John) was the youngest child of Charles and Annie Sharp who resided at 8 Eign Street in Hereford. Dorking-born Charles was a butcher with other business interests in the town, whilst Annie hailed from County Meath in Ireland. Jack and elder brother Bertram (Bert) grew up playing…
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