Legend accepts invite from Martinez to Finch Farm - pics too

Legend accepts invite from Martinez to Finch Farm at the Halewood complex.



Everton yesterday welcomed Howard Kendall to Finch Farm, as the former Blues midfielder and manager made his first ever visit to the Club’s Halewood facilities.

The Toffees legend gratefully accepted a personal invite from current boss Roberto Martinez to be guided around the state-of-the-art training complex.


Roberto Martinez welcomes Howard Kendall up to his office which overlooks the Finch Farm training pitches.

Kendall had not visited Everton’s training facilities since the Club relocated from Bellefield in the autumn of 2007 and spent much of his visit discussing Everton’s past and present with Martinez in the Spaniard’s office.

Martinez said: “Howard is a legend. It was fantastic to have him at the training ground. It’s really important that we embrace the true legends of Everton Football Club and acknowledge their legacy.”


The former boss chats with the Everton Under-21s assistant coach David Unsworth.

Kendall was also greeted by several members of the Club’s back room staff, including youth coaches Duncan Ferguson, David Unsworth and Kevin Sheedy – all former Blues he managed at various stages of his three spells at the Goodison Park helm.

Kendall said: “It was nice to be invited down by Roberto and it was special to be so warmly welcomed by all the staff.

“I think the Club has a bright future under Roberto and they couldn’t ask for a better place to prepare for matches.

“Seeing the boot room and some familiar faces like Duncan Ferguson, Kevin Sheedy and David Unsworth to name a few all working for the Club, made the memories come flooding back.”



Everton Director of Communications Alan Myers said: “As soon as I arrived here, one of the first things the manager said to me was that he personally wanted to meet with Howard and show him around the training ground. Roberto rightly sees Howard as a true Everton legend.

“Every corner Howard turned in the training ground there was someone who wanted to say hello.”