Bill Kenwright was more than a Chairman to me. He was a friend. The way he treated me and my family when I first came to the Club from Ireland was incredible.

It meant the world to us and was a massive part of me settling in and having a career with Everton. And I know that I am far from being the only player to be able to say that.

The Chairman never interfered and very rarely visited the dressing room, but we all knew that he was there if we needed him. And when he did speak to us as a group, we listened because he knew our Club as well as anyone.

He was inspirational, he was so kind, he loved Everton, and his presence will be sorely missed.

My thoughts, and those of my family, are with Jenny and the rest of his family at this very, very sad time.