Saturday 17 October 2015 15:56, UK
Phil Thompson hailed Howard Kendall as "an absolute diamond" following news that the former Everton manager has died at the age of 69.
Kendall won the First Division title as a player and manager for the Toffees. His spell at Goodison Park between 1981-87 is regarded as one of the greatest in the club's history.
He won the FA Cup, the First Division title twice and the European Cup Winners Cup in that time.
Sky Sports' Thompson knew Kendall well, and said: "Howard is one of the nicest men you could ever wish to know.
"On Merseyside he has got legendary status, but not just with the Evertonians. He's one of those guys who the Liverpool fans absolutely love as well.
"I've done numerous charity things with Howard and he's a fantastic guy who has always got a story. I think of the love that Evertonians had for him, particularly throughout those glory days from 1981 to 1987 and what he brought to that club.
"He nearly got the sack and turned it all around and brought them trophies. The love of the players that played for him transcends across to everybody.
"He had this great man-management style that only he had. People tried to replicate it and couldn't do it; only Howard had that. He was an absolute diamond."
Sky Sports expert Tony Cottee played for Kendall during the manager's second spell at Goodison Park.
Cottee told Sky Sports News: "It's desperately sad news. He was a top, top manager, held in such high esteem at Everton. If you did the business for him he loved you to bits. He looked after his players.
"It's unusual for a top player to be such a top manager but Everton under Howard in the mid-80s were a fantastic team.
"He was a tremendous coach who could get his point across and his door was always open too. I have nothing but fantastic memories of my time working under him. Tactically he was fantastic, a joy to play with, and made changes when he needed to. I was with him three or four months ago. He lived life to the full and loved being amongst the fans enjoying himself. He'll be sadly missed."
Graeme Sharp, one of Kendall's most successful strikers, told Sky Sports News: "He was fantastic for the football club. He had three spells as a manager….the most successful in the club's history. It was a joy to play for him. Howard was very astute in the players he signed. It was a pleasure to play for Everton FC at that time.
"He was a regular visitor to Goodison. He was at most home games. I spoke to him in the last one against Liverpool. He was in fine fettle."
Many others who played for Kendall offered their tributes on Twitter.
"A great manager, and even greater man. Whatever I did was solely down to him. Gentleman, friend, mentor. Will miss him. Gutted" - Neville Southall.
"Devastated. RIP Howard" - Peter Reid.
"So privileged to have played for Everton's most successful manager. Absolutely devastated at this sad news RIP Boss @Everton" - Kevin Sheedy
"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.
"OMG tragic news that the Best Manager I've ever played for and my 2nd Dad has past away today. RIP Howard xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx" - Don Hutchison.
"Can't believe it, devastated, Rip Gaffer" - Francis Jeffers.
Following the sad death of Howard Kendell today, a very special episode of Time of Our Lives will air at 4pm on Sky Sports 1 HD, looking at Everton's championship-winning team of the 1970's. Joe Royle, Colin Harper and Howard were guests with Jeff Stelling.
