Everton legend Tommy Wright has died at the age of 81.
Wright is widely considered to be one of the finest full-backs in the club’s history, winning a league championship and the FA Cup during a 374-appearance spell.
The Norris Green-born player spent a decade in the first team at Goodison Park and became an England regular, making it into their 1970 World Cup squad.
A boyhood Evertonian who grew up idolising Dave Hickson and Tommy Eglington, Wright remained a regular fixture watching the Blues long after his career ended.
In later life, his on-field exploits were recognised by him becoming an inaugural member of Gwladys Street’s Hall of Fame in 1996 and an Everton Giant in 2016.
Former Everton teammate and fellow Norris Green native Joe Royle presented the latter accolade to Wright and hailed him as a more than fitting recipient.
“Lots of people have won awards in football but this has never been more deserving,” he said at the time.
“I’ve said it before but he was the best right-back I was fortunate to play with.
“I’ve been watching Everton a long time and he is still the best I have seen in a blue shirt.”