EVERTONIANS have been left heartbroken today by the sudden death, from a heart attack, of seventies and eighties favourite Andy King.
King, who recovered from a heart attack in 2009, passed away today aged just 58.
An effervescent, goalscoring midfielder, King made 248 appearances scoring 67 goals in two separate spells at Everton – and never disguised his passion for the Blues.
After leaving in 1980 to join West Bromwich Albion, he later declared he would “crawl over broken glass” to play for Everton again.
English League Division One match at Goodison Park. Everton 1 v Liverpool 0. Thumbs up from Everton hero Andy king who scored the only goal in the derby match . 28th October 1978.
Howard Kendall later gave him his wish.
A chirpy cockney, King signed for Everton from Luton as a teenager in 1976 and was instantly embraced by Everton fans who adored his enthusiasm and his eye for goal.
He scored twice in a 3-1 win at reigning champions Derby in just his second appearance but the goal for which he was indelibly linked was a 20 yard drive at Goodison Park on October 28, 1978 – Everton’s first winning goal in seven years against neighbours Liverpool.
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King was a regular thorn in Liverpool’s side – scoring two more goals at Anfield against one of the most successful Liverpool teams of modern times.
David Prentice: Why Andy will always be our King
He ended his playing career at Aldershot, after short stints with Dutch side Cambuur, Swedish side Orebro, Wolves and Luton.
He later worked as a manager at Mansfield, Swindon and Grays Athletic, as a coach at Sunderland and scout for Plymouth, Colchester and most recently MK Dons.
But Everton was never far from his thoughts, nor he from Evertonians’ minds.
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In 2009 King issued a huge thank you in the Echo to all Evertonians who inundated him with well wishes after he suffered a heart attack.
“I’d just like to thank everyone for all their good wishes and it says everything about the kind of football club Everton is,” said King.
“The first phone call I received when I came into hospital was from Bill Kenwright and that was overwhelming.
“It’s more than 25 years since I last played for Everton yet the chairman still felt compelled to ring me straight away. That symbolises the kind of care and warmth the club has as a whole.
“It’s humbling that people have been concerned about me and it’s just a question of waiting now for the results of the angiogram.”
Typically he ended the interview with a joke.
“Hopefully everything will be ok in the long run and in time, I’ll make a full recovery; with a bit of luck I’ll be fit enough to give Tim Cahill a run for his money!”
Andy King 1956-2015 RIP.
Really sad news about Andy King. Top fella and was a great player. Will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Andy. @Everton @GregOK
— Kevin Sheedy (@kevin11sheedy) May 27, 2015
RIP mate. Andy King @Everton
— Peter Reid (@reid6peter) May 27, 2015
Gutted to gear about the passing of Andy King, great player, fella & teammate, will miss his cheeky wit #RIPKingy #andyisourking
— Derek Mountfield (@DegsyMount) May 27, 2015
Shocked to hear the sad news about Andy King,a good friend and ex team mate. RIP mate.
— Ronny (@HealththruSport) May 27, 2015
Just had a call from Bob Latchford to say Andy King has passed away. Very sad. Lovely guy with a huge love for #EFC.
https://t.co/shnhNk2Zf5
— Martin O’Boyle (@gwladystweet) May 27, 2015
Oh, that’s floored me. Here’s the derby with *that* goal & *that* get-off-the-pitch moment at the end: https://t.co/4Z3rd4YedK #RIPAndyKing
— Steve Johnson (@stevejohnson95) May 27, 2015
RIP Andy King http://t.co/eizZyljtar
— Toffee TV (@ToffeeTV1) May 27, 2015
Oh Andy is our King.
— School of Science (@SOS1878) May 27, 2015
Rest In Peace Kingy #OneLove https://t.co/Fjm6GI580M
— David The Toffee (@lcabbabeh) May 27, 2015
So sad to hear #EFC hero Andy King has died. He was a great player and a terrific personality.
— Mark_Thomas (@Mark_Thomas) May 27, 2015
I covered the press conference when Andy King was unveiled after signing for 2nd time for #EFC. He said: “Who were you expecting, Zico?”
— Mark_Thomas (@Mark_Thomas) May 27, 2015
I’m just devastated to learn of the passing of Andy King. My first Everton hero. RIP Andy pic.twitter.com/53KoBs83yy
— Neil Roberts (@neiljroberts1) May 27, 2015
Still remember Kingy borrowing my phone at Wembley before the FA Cup Semi in 09 ! Gone far too soon #RIPAndyKing
— Baz (@THT1878) May 27, 2015
RIP. Andy King. An old school proper Evertonian who used to do my head in. pic.twitter.com/TH3c7RREdz
— TheOfficialLFCStory (@LFCHistoryShow) May 27, 2015
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