Everton Saddened To Learn Of Passing Of Bob Pendleton

Everton Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of distinguished and much-loved former scout Bob Pendleton.

A major figure in Everton’s youth scouting department for more than 30 years, Bob died peacefully at Fazakerley Hospital, aged 81, months after the passing of his beloved wife Margaret.

He had been living with dementia and was a participant with Everton in the Community’s Pass on the Memories programme.

Bob discovered a number of players who would represent the Club’s First Team and, most notably, was responsible for bringing Wayne Rooney to Everton after seeing the nine-year-old Rooney starring in a match for his Copplehouse Boys team.

A staunch Evertonian who began attending matches in 1948, Bob remained part of the Club’s fabric following his retirement.

An Academy pitch at Everton’s USM Finch Farm training base is named in his honour.

The Bob Pendleton Training Pitch was opened in 2016 when Leighton Baines and Ross Barkley unveiled a plaque reading: In recognition of over 30 years’ service in recruiting the finest players to play for Everton Football Club.

Working closely with the late Sid Benson, who was similarly recognised at the same ceremony, Bob helped identify Tony Hibbert and nurture the talents of Baines, Barkley and Leon Osman, who between them played more than 1,300 First Team matches for Everton.

Bob was also a long-standing secretary of Walton & Kirkdale Junior Football League. 

The thoughts of everybody at Everton are with Bob’s family, including children Robert, Mary, Margy, Sue and Ann.