Former Everton manager Howard Kendall has died at the age of 69, it has been confirmed.
During his first stint as Toffees boss between 1981 and 1987 he won the league title twice, as well as an FA Cup and a European Cup Winners' Cup.
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In a statement, the club said: "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 an Everton jersey. He passed away in hospital in Southport this morning at the age of 69, surrounded by loved ones.
"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."
Gary Lineker, who played under Kendall during his spell on Merseyside in the mid-'80s, led the tributes 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
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 17, 2015
Kendall began his playing career at Preston North End before being sold to Everton in 1967. He enjoyed a seven-year stint on Merseyside and was part of the midfield 'Holy Trinity' with Alan Ball and Colin Harvey that helped Everton win the title in the 1969-70 season.
In 1974 he moved to the Midlands, first spending four years with Birmingham City then helping Stoke City to get promoted back to the First Division in 1979. Kendall went on to become player-manager at Blackburn Rovers before ditching his boots for his legendary first spell with Everton.
After growing frustrated with the ban on English clubs participating in European competitions, he moved to La Liga's Athletic Bilbao in 1987 for two seasons, then returned to England to help Manchester City secure their top-flight status in the 1989-90 season.
In 1990 he took charge of Everton for a second time but was unable to repeat the dizzy heights of the '80s and left with the club in mid-table in 1993 for Greece. After periods at Notts County and Sheffield United, Kendall rejoined the Toffees for a third stint in 1997-98 but left at the end of the season by mutual consent.
Everton players will wear black armbands and a minute's silence will be held at Goodison Park today ahead of the Premier League game with rivals Manchester United.
