Everton legend Gordon West died of cancer illness in a hospital last night. He was 69.
The Englishman was suffering from cancer ailment for a long time, and finally succumbed to the illness in the late hours last night.
Gordon started his footballing career at Blackpool at a tender age of 17, and was widely considered as one of the greatest Everton players of all times. During his career, which spanned over 19 years, he made 402 appearances for the Merseyside club and was
a part of Everton’s championship winning team in 1963 and 1970. He also played a hand in the club’s FA Cup triumph in 1966. He arrived at Goodison Park from Blackpool in 1962 for 27000 pounds transfer fee, becoming the most expensive British goalkeeper then.
Besides, he also capped three international appearances for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 and announced his retirement from all formats of the game in 1979.
Former Toffees manager Howard Kendall offered his deepest condolences to Gordon’s family on his death, and mentioned that he was deeply aggrieved to hear of the news.
He told the reporters, “It’s so very, very sad. He was a great goalkeeper and a lovely man and it’s another one we’ve lost from that great team we all played in.”
The 66-year old also recounted the playing days of the deceased, highlighting his influential presence in the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c13019 team of the 60’s and paid tributes to his illustrious career.
He added, “They say you have to be mad to be a goalkeeper and watching the way Westy used to throw himself around at players’ feet I could understand why.”
Another Toffees legend, Graeme Sharp also stated that he was deeply upset to hear about Gordon, and that he will always remain in the hearts and minds of the Everton fans.
He told the club’s official website, “It's dreadfully sad. I met Gordon many times and he was a real larger-than-life character who loved Everton. All Evertonians will be distressed at this news and my thoughts are with his family.”
Apart from his stints at Blackpool and Everton, Gordon came out of retirement in 1973 to play for Tranmere http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rovers-c40385 for three years, before bowing out of the game in 1979.
Tags: