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    Man Utd pays tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before Champions League clash with classy Copenhagen fans singing icon’s name

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans gathered outside Old Trafford this evening to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.Sir Bobby passed away peacefully on Saturday after a three-year battle with dementia.
    Man Utd and Copenhagen paid tribute to Sir Bobby CharltonCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag (C), Dan Gore (L) and Alex Stepney (R) walked to the centre circle with a wreathCredit: PA
    There was a minute’s silence at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    Fans chanted ‘there’s only one Bobby Charlton’Credit: EPA
    Copenhagen fans also joined in with the chants
    The visiting supporters held up a classy banner

    He was one of the greatest players to ever represent Man Utd and England.
    The Red Devils returned to Old Trafford tonight for the first time since Sir Bobby’s passing.
    And hundreds of fans gathered at the stadium hours before kick-off to pay tribute to the club legend.
    Flowers, scarves and photographs were placed around the iconic United Trinity statue ahead of the Champions League match against Copenhagen.
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    Players wore black armbands during the matchCredit: Getty
    The club also gave fans the opportunity to sign a book of condolence.
    United paid tribute to Sir Bobby just before kick-off, with a minute’s silence observed.
    Erik ten Hag carried a wreath to the centre circle alongside Man Utd Under-19’s captain Dan Gore and Alex Stepney, a former team-mate of Sir Bobby.
    Both United and Copenhagen fans then chanted “there’s only one Bobby Charlton” in unison while the visiting supporters held up a banner reading: “Passion is what separates the good from the great. Rest in peace Sir Bobby Charlton”.
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    Man Utd CEO Richard Arnold also placed a wreath on the 1966 World Cup hero’s seat in the Director’s Box with a card that read: “Loved. Adored. Never forgotten. Thank you. The Manchester United family.”
    Sir Geoff Hurst led tributes following the announcement of Sir Bobby’s death on Saturday.
    He tweeted: “Very sad news today 1 of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him & nor will all of football
    “A great colleague & friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith.”
    Ex-England captain Gary Lineker hailed Sir Bobby as the greatest English footballer in history.
    He wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man.
    “A World Cup winner, Man Utd great and, for me, England’s greatest ever player. He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality. RIP Sir Bobby.”
    And United icon Gary Neville shared his own tribute, writing: “So sorry to hear the news of Sir Bobby Charlton.
    “The Greatest English Football player and Manchester United’s greatest ambassador.
    “A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United. Rest In Peace Sir Bobby.”
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    The Red Devils paid tribute to Sir Bobby prior to their Premier League match against Sheffield United at the weekend by observing a minute of silence before kick-off.
    And club captain Bruno Fernandes laid a flower wreath in the centre circle at Bramall Lane with a card that read: “In loving memory of Sir Bobby.”
    Flowers, scarves and photographs were placed outside Old Trafford ahead of the match this eveningCredit: AP
    Hundreds of fans gathered outside Old Trafford to pay tribute to Sir Bobby CharltonCredit: Getty
    The iconic United Trinity statue has been surrounded with tributesCredit: AP
    Fans were given the chance to sign a book of condolence before the matchCredit: PA
    Erik ten Hag and his team also signed a book of condolence at Carrington earlier this weekCredit: Getty More

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    Inside Bill Kenwright’s health battle as legend who played Gordon Clegg in Corrie dies months after cancer surgery

    EVERTON chairman Bill Kenwright has died just months after having a cancerous tumour removed from his liver. The ex-Corrie star’s loved ones said he “passed away peacefully” last night. He was 78.
    Bill Kenwright tragically died last night, his family have revealedCredit: 2019 Everton FC
    The 78-year-old’s death came after a long health struggleCredit: 2018 Getty Images
    Kenwright’s heartbroken family said he died surrounded by those he loved after a “long battle with illness”.
    Just weeks ago the grandfather went under the knife after a growth was found on his liver.
    The former actor, who played Gordon Clegg in  Coronation Street, was then forced to stay in intensive care due to complications with the surgery.
    Kenwright was not released from hospital until earlier this month, but it was then he was told he could continue his treatment at home.
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    At the time a club statement read: “Everton would like to provide a short update on the health of our Chairman, Bill Kenwright.
    “Following a diagnosis at the beginning of August, Mr Kenwright underwent a major medical procedure six weeks ago to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver. 
    “The procedure was completely successful, but complications during surgery necessitated a prolonged period in an intensive care unit. 
    “Mr Kenwright is now out of intensive care and has left hospital.
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    “Right up until the day of the procedure the Chairman had continued to carry out all his club duties, working hard alongside Mr Moshiri to facilitate the proposed takeover by 777 Partners and supporting Kevin Thelwell with the Club’s summer transfer activity.”
    This saw the masses send him their well wishes, and hopes for a speedy recovery.
    Tragically, his club and family today confirmed his death.
    His partner Jenny Seagrove and daughter Lucy said they were “devastated” to share the news.
    They said it came after a long battle with illness, but did not give any further details.
    Actress Jenny also shared a photo of Kenwright on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “I lost my darling Bill last night.”
    In their own statement, Everton said the club was “in mourning” following the tragedy.
    The team added: “Everton’s longest serving chairman for more than a century, Bill Kenwright led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football.
    “A lifelong Evertonian, he became a board member on October 23, 1989, and then on Boxing Day 1999 his True Blue Holdings consortium acquired the Club. Initially vice-chairman, he succeeded his close friend Sir Philip Carter as Chair in 2004.
    “In his 19 seasons as Chairman, the Club secured 12 top eight finishes, including a top four finish in 2005, a run to the 2009 FA Cup final and European qualification on 6 separate occasions.
    “The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration.
    “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him.”
    He has been chairman of the Toffees since 2004 after first joining the board in 1989.
    Kenwright was also one of the UK’s most successful theatre producers.
    He was also a judge on the 2007 BBC series Any Dream Will Do.
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    The former actor, who was on Corrie in 1968, was married to theatre star Jenny.
    He was previously married to actress Anouska Hempel from 1978 to 1980 and then went on to date Virginia Stride, who he shares a daughter and two grandchildren with.
    Kenwright played Gordon Clegg in CorrieCredit: ITV More

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    Bill Kenwright’s partner Jenny Seagrove shares tribute to ‘my darling Bill’ as Everton FC chairman and Corrie star dies

    BILL Kenwright’s partner Jenny Seagrove has shared a tribute to “my darling Bill” after the Everton FC chairman and Corrie star died.Kenwright’s death aged 78 following a cancer battle was announced by his “devastated” family, including Jenny and his daughter Lucy.
    Bill Kenwright has died, with tributes flowing for the popular Everton chairmanCredit: Reuters
    His partner Jenny Seagrove paid tribute to him
    Posting on Twitter, Jenny said: “I lost my darling Bill last night”.
    The ex-Corrie star went under the knife in August this year when the growth was found in his liver.
    Kenwright was forced to stay in intensive care for longer due to complications in the procedure.
    But he was told he was allowed to continue his treatment at home and was released from hospital earlier this month.
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    Kenwright’s family said he passed away “peacefully” last night surrounded by his loved ones after a “long battle with illness”.
    Everton also paid tribute to their chairman, saying: “Everton Football Club is in mourning following the death of Chairman Bill Kenwright CBE, who passed away peacefully last night aged 78, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
    “Everton’s longest serving chairman for more than a century, Bill Kenwright led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football.
    “A lifelong Evertonian, he became a board member on October 23, 1989, and then on Boxing Day 1999 his True Blue Holdings consortium acquired the Club. Initially vice-chairman, he succeeded his close friend Sir Philip Carter as Chair in 2004.
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    “In his 19 seasons as Chairman, the Club secured 12 top eight finishes, including a top four finish in 2005, a run to the 2009 FA Cup final and European qualification on 6 separate occasions.
    “The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him.”
    Everton previously told how Kenwright had been carrying out his club duties still even while recuperating from his op.
    He has been chairman of the Toffees since 2004 after first joining the board in 1989.
    Kenwright was also one of the UK’s most successful theatre producers.
    His most famous productions include in West End hit Blood Brothers and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
    Kenwright was also a judge on the 2007 BBC series Any Dream Will Do.
    The former actor, who had a role in Coronation Street in 1968, was in a relationship with theatre star Jenny Seagrove.
    He was previously married to actress Anouska Hempel from 1978 to 1980 and then went on to date Virginia Stride, who he shares a daughter and two grandchildren with.
    His family said: “Bill was driven by his passions and devoted his life to them; his deep love of theatre, film, music and his beloved Everton, and the families they created.
    “He impacted the lives of thousands, whether that be through the launching of careers or his unending loyalty, generosity and unfaltering friendship and support.
    “In a multi-award-winning career spanning six decades, Bill produced over 500 West End, Broadway, UK touring and international theatre productions, films and music albums. His impact on the arts industry has been profound.
    “During his time as majority shareholder and Chairman of Everton FC, Bill led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football.
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    “We will remember him with huge love and admiration – the shows will of course go on, as he would have wished, and his towering legacy will continue.
    “A celebration of Bill’s life and career will be announced in due course. At this very difficult time we ask for privacy and respect for Bill’s family and friends.” More

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    Bill Kenwright dead at 78: Everton FC chairman and Corrie star passes away after liver cancer battle

    EVERTON chairman Bill Kenwright has died aged 78 – months after having surgery to remove a cancerous tumour.The ex-Corrie star went under the knife in August this year when the growth was found in his liver.
    Bill Kenwright has tragically passed awayCredit: 2019 Simon Stacpoole/Offside
    Kenwright was forced to stay in intensive care for longer due to complications in the procedure.
    But he was told he was allowed to continue his treatment at home and was released from hospital earlier this month.
    Tragically his death was announced by Everton this evening.
    The club said: “Everton Football Club is in mourning following the death of Chairman Bill Kenwright CBE, who passed away peacefully last night aged 78, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
    “Everton’s longest serving chairman for more than a century, Bill Kenwright led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football.
    “A lifelong Evertonian, he became a board member on October 23, 1989, and then on Boxing Day 1999 his True Blue Holdings consortium acquired the Club. Initially vice-chairman, he succeeded his close friend Sir Philip Carter as Chair in 2004.
    “In his 19 seasons as Chairman, the Club secured 12 top eight finishes, including a top four finish in 2005, a run to the 2009 FA Cup final and European qualification on 6 separate occasions.
    “The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him.”
    Most read in Football
    Everton previously told how Kenwright had been carrying out his club duties still even while recuperating from his op.
    He has been chairman of the Toffees since 2004 after first joining the board in 1989.
    Kenwright was also one of the UK’s most successful theatre producers.
    His most famous productions include in West End hit Blood Brothers and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
    Kenwright was also a judge on the 2007 BBC series Any Dream Will Do.
    The former actor, who had a role in Coronation Street in 1968, was married to theatre star Jenny Seagrove.
    He was previously married to actress Anouska Hempel from 1978 to 1980 and then went on to date Virginia Stride, who he shares a daughter and two grandchildren with.
    The ex actor played Gordon Clegg in CorrieCredit: ITV
    Kenwright became chairman of Everton in 2004Credit: 2019 Getty Images
    The chairman with his wife Jenny SeagroveCredit: Rex
    He is also a successful theatre producerCredit: 2021 David M. Benett More

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    Bill Kenwright death updates — Everton chairman dies at 78 as football world pays tribute to Goodison Park legend

    EVERTON chairman Bill Kenwright has died aged 78, the club has confirmed.Toffees chairman and West End theatre producer Bill passed away “peacefully” on Monday night.
    It comes after the Merseyside club recently revealed he was forced to undergo emergency surgery in August to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver.
    Kenwright has been at the helm of the Goodison Park ship since 2004 – but was the target of protests against the board earlier this year alongside owner Farhad Moshiri and chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale.
    He was also one of the UK’s most successful theatre producers and was behind the long-running hit Blood Brothers and the record-breaking UK tour of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
    Read our Bill Kenwright blog below for the latest updates…
    Fans pay tribute
    Football fans across the UK have paid tribute to the Everton chairman today.
    Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter one supporter said: “RIP Bill. Condolences to his family and friends. We’ve lost a good one.”
    A second added: “We stand with you in this hard times, our condolences to the family and the club.”
    Everton release statement
    Everton have released a club statement following the tragic news of Bill Kenwright’s passing.
    The club said: “Everton Football Club is in mourning following the death of Chairman Bill Kenwright CBE, who passed away peacefully last night aged 78, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
    “Everton’s longest serving chairman for more than a century, Bill Kenwright led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football.
    “A lifelong Evertonian, he became a board member on October 23, 1989, and then on Boxing Day 1999 his True Blue Holdings consortium acquired the Club. Initially vice-chairman, he succeeded his close friend Sir Philip Carter as Chair in 2004.
    “In his 19 seasons as Chairman, the Club secured 12 top eight finishes, including a top four finish in 2005, a run to the 2009 FA Cup final and European qualification on 6 separate occasions.
    “The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him.”
    Everton chief Bill Kenwright has died aged 78
    The Everton chief Bill Kenwright has died aged 78, just weeks after the club announced he had undergone emergency surgery earlier this year.
    Kenwright had been at the helm of the Goodison Park ship since 2004.
    Everton Football Club is in mourning following the death of Chairman Bill Kenwright CBE, who passed away peacefully last night aged 78, surrounded by his family and loved ones.— Everton (@Everton) October 24, 2023 More

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    Sir Bobby Charlton’s last surviving brother Tommy, 77, releases heartfelt tribute to Man Utd ‘hero’

    SIR BOBBY CHARLTON’S brother has released a heartfelt tribute to the Manchester United and England legend. Bobby Charlton passed away on Saturday at the age of 86 after a battle with dementia.
    Tommy Charlton has released a heartfelt tribute to his late brother Sir Bobby CharltonCredit: Reuters
    Sir Bobby passed away on Saturday after a battle with dementiaCredit: 2016 Manchester United FC
    And alongside an outpouring of love from all around the footballing world, Sir Bobby’s youngest brother Tommy has released a tribute to his “hero”.
    The 77-year-old is the last surviving of the three Charlton brothers and has said that Sir Bobby will be reunited with eldest brother Jack in heaven, who passed away in 2020 aged 85.
    Speaking to The Mirror, Tommy said: “Throughout my life, from being a little boy, I have never felt anything other than pride in both of Jack and Bob.
    “Being the youngest, Jack was a big, towering guy, my big brother, I looked up to him growing up. And I respected Bob’s integrity and intelligence. You could talk to him about any subject.
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    “I am a little bit annoyed that football took them away from me when we were young.
    “From the age of ten, I would see them when they came home from their clubs, or we went to visit. Other families were growing up together.
    “If ever there was a place reserved in heaven, it is for Bob. He is going to be up there. He was world famous, he was so loved.
    “He and Jack were everybody’s heroes, they were idols to other people. But to me, they were my brothers. That is where my heart is, with my brothers.”
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    Jack and Bobby Charlton are both England football legendsCredit: Getty
    Jack and Sir Bobby were integral parts of England’s World Cup-winning squad in 1966.
    But the pair didn’t always have an easy relationship with difficult moments putting a strain on their bond.
    However, they were able to put their differences aside for an embrace after they lifted the Jules Rimet some 57 years ago.
    Sir Bobby’s passing means Sir Geoff Hurst is the only living member remaining of England’s World Cup winning squad.
    Fans have mourned the loss of one of the game’s greatest ever players while Man Utd players observed a minute’s silence ahead of their 2-1 victory over Sheffield United on Saturday night.
    Stars have also paid tribute to the footballing great with the likes of Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney speaking highly of the icon.
    Prince William also spoke about Sir Bobby labelling him as a “legend” and “gentleman”.
    Man Utd fans have been laying tributes for Sir Bobby by his statue at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

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    Fans lay down flowers, shirts and scarves next to Sir Bobby Charlton’s Old Trafford statue as they honour Man Utd icon

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are flooding to Old Trafford to pay their respects to Sir Bobby Charlton.The 86-year-old passed away yesterday following a brave battle with dementia.
    Fans paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton outside Old TraffordCredit: AFP
    Fans laid flowers and scarfs by his statueCredit: Getty
    Sir Bobby passed away aged 86 yesterdayCredit: PA
    He is a Man Utd and England heroCredit: PA
    Charlton passed after a battle with dementiaCredit: PA
    A book of condolence was opened at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    Supporters queued to write their personal message in his memoryCredit: Getty
    Charlton was one of the greatest ever players to feature for Manchester United and England.
    Many fans made the trip to Old Trafford this morning to say farewell to their hero.
    A book of condolence has been opened at the stadium and a digital version has also been created.
    Meanwhile, fans laid flowers, scarfs and shirts by the “United Trinity” statue that depicts him, George Best and Denis Law.
    READ MORE ON BOBBY CHARLTON
    Shirts with Charlton’s name on the back with messages written on them were also placed on the floor by mourning supporters.
    Sir Bobby scored 249 goals in 758 games for Man Utd.
    He has legendary status, having played a key role in rebuilding the club after eight of his team-mates passed away in the Munich Air Disaster in 1958.
    Charlton survived the crash and fired United to a European Cup win ten years later.
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    The midfielder was also a Three Lions icon, having been part of the team that won the 1966 World Cup.
    Sir Bobby went on to lift the Ballon d’Or after the triumph as he was crowned the best player in the world.
    He netted 49 times in 106 games for England with only Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane above him in the all-time scoring charts.
    United put out a touching tribute to Sir Bobby yesterday, which read: “He was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.”
    Marcus Rashford, Prince William and Sir Geoff Hurst are among those to pen emotional tributes to the legend.
    A scarf was wrapped around the statue of CharltonCredit: PA
    The ‘United Trilogy’ statue was covered with tributesCredit: Getty
    Charlton has a stand named after him at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    Supporters penned emotion-filled message to him and his familyCredit: PA
    Charlton went on to manage Preston and WiganCredit: Getty
    Charlton scored 249 goals for UnitedCredit: EPA More

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    Rashford posts incredible pic of Sir Bobby Charlton with Man Utd star at his first contract signing in emotional tribute

    MANCHESTER UNITED forward Marcus Rashford has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton with a heartfelt Instagram post.Sir Bobby passed away peacefully on Saturday after a three-year battle with dementia.
    Marcus Rashford paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton on social mediaCredit: Instagram @marcusrashford
    Man Utd and Sheffield United paid tribute to the England legend on SaturdayCredit: AFP
    A statement from his family read: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning.
    “He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.
    “We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”
    Tributes poured in for the Man Utd and England legend on Saturday evening, with the likes of David Beckham, Gary Lineker and Gary Neville all paying their respects.
    Read More on Sir Bobby
    Rashford has become the latest star to pay tribute.
    He took to Instagram to share a photo of his first professional contract signing – when he was joined by his family and Sir Bobby.
    Alongside the photo, Rashford wrote: “I signed my first professional contract at Man Utd with Sir Bobby.
    “Thank you for all the support and advice that you provided to me.
    Most read in Football
    “That win was for you and your family.”
    Rashford was named in the Man Utd squad that faced Sheffield United on Saturday evening, just a few hours after Sir Bobby’s death was announced.
    Before kick-off, both teams paid tribute to the 1966 World Cup hero with a minute’s silence.
    United captain Bruno Fernandes also laid flowers in the centre circle.
    The Red Devils went on to win the match 2-1 thanks to goals from Scott McTominay and Diogo Dalot.
    At full time, Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag dedicated the victory to Sir Bobby.
    He said: “Very sad, our thoughts are with his family, especially his wife, his children and grandchildren.
    “What he achieved in football was immense. Also his personality off the pitch. The football world lost a big man.
    “We had to show our respect for him and I think we did that today. We wanted to celebrate but also to remember him.
    “[The tribute from our fans] was fantastic. We have to pay contribution, pay our big goodbye, remembering Bobby Charlton because what he did was magnificent.
    Read More on The Sun
    “He was outstanding on the pitch and off it.
    “We wanted to remember Sir Bobby and I think we did it in a decent way.” More