Howard Kendall - 1967 -1974:

March 1967 saw the signing of the last link of the midfield trio that was to be Christened "The Holy Trinity" when Harry Catterick signed Howard Kendall from Preston North End for £80,000. He was already in the FA's record books as the youngest player to appear in the FA Cup Final when played for the Preston side that lost the 1964 final to West Ham United

Within days of signing Kendall made his debut, a 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton, but only played three more times in the remainder of the 1966-67 season. The following season saw him start to forge the beginnings of the legendary midfield along with Alan Ball and Colin Harvey. The trio were instrumental in guiding Everton to the FA Cup Final, losing 1-0 to West Bromwich Albion, and to 5th place in the 1st division. Season 1968-69 saw further improvements as the team finished in their highest league position since winning the league in 1962-63 when they finished 3rd.

The next season was to be the pinnacle of Kendall's playing career as Everton stormed to the league title, beating Leeds United by nine points. This was to be his only winners medal during his playing career as Everton's fortunes dipped at the start of the 1970's. Kendall was made captain following the departure of Alan Ball to Arsenal in 1971 but he could not inspire the team to the heights achieved at the end of the 1960's and in 1974 he was transferred to Birmingham City as part of the deal that brought Bob Latchford to Everton. He was later to help Stoke City to promotion to the first division in 1978-79.

In 1979 Howard Kendall entered into football management when he became the player/manager of Blackburn Rovers. Two years later he returned to Everton as player/manager and put on the Blue shirt four more times before retiring from playing in order to lead the club to their most successful period.

Everton playing record (figures in brackets are substitution appearances):

League appearances 231 (2), goals 21

FA Cup appearances 23, goals 3

League Cup appearances 12, goals 3

European appearances 6, goals 2

Other appearances 1, goals 1