Everton have confirmed that the club’s former secretary and chief executive Jim Greenwood has died.
Greenwood’s administrative career with the Blues spanned almost 19 years and coincided with the most successful period in Goodison Park history.
He served first as club secretary and latterly as its first ever chief executive and was a key figure behind the scenes at the club during the mid 1980s.
Retiring in November 1994, Greenwood left Everton’s hierarchy after forging a legacy in which the club was able to build its current Park End stand.
But perhaps one of his more memorable roles was helping the cash-strapped club change its bank in order to fund the £60,000 signing of Peter Reid.
That signing would prove a catalyst as Howard Kendall’s side lifted two league titles, the FA Cup, European Cup Winners’ Cup and reached several Wembley finals.
Graeme Sharp encountered Greenwood on his first day at Everton in 1980 and paid a tribute to a man who went on to become a long-term friend.
He said: “Jim was a lovely man.
“He was everybody’s friend and somebody you could speak to if you needed anything.
“Above all, he was always totally professional and very, very good at his job.
“It is a truly sad day.”
Trevor Steven, another member of Kendall’s all-conquering team, also shared his thoughts on Greenwood in a post on Twitter.
“Sad day. My thoughts are with his family,” he wrote.
“If you never had the pleasure of meeting Jim, you missed a treat.
“Proper Everton and family man.”