As a player Kendall had scored 65 goals in 613 appearances for Preston North End, Everton (twice), Birmingham City, Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers as a midfielder between 1963 and 1981, the majority of which were made in the top two Divisions of the Football League. Aged 17 he appeared in the 1964 FA Cup Final as Preston lost 3-2 to West Ham United at Wembley - making him the youngest player to play in a cup final since James Prinsep for Clapham Rovers in 1879.
In December 1995, following the dismissal of Dave Bassett - who had ended a seven year tenure with the club, the Blades appointed Howard Kendall and for this 18 months in charge it proved to be az shrewd move by the Sheffield United board. For Kendall, a manager who had been at the highest level, this would prove to be a difficult task to undertake. United had been relegated from the Premier League in May 1994 and by the time Howard had taken charge they were next to bottom of the First Division and looked like heading only one way.
Unlike today's managers, Kendall would have benefitted from an open transfer window at the time of his appointment, back then it didn't close until March. He took full opportunity of this and only the likes of Alan Kelly, Simon Tracey, Dane Whitehouse, Dougie Hodgson, David White and Roger Nilsen would have virtually been guaranteed a starting place. As a result he allowed fourteen players to leave, including Nathan Blake, Jostein Flo, Glynn Hodges, Kevin Gage and Brian Gayle - all whom had a list of experience. He brought in Michael Vonk, Mark Partterson, Don Hutchinson, Chris Short, Brett Angell, Andy Walker, Gareth Taylor and Gary Ablett.
With a fresh squad the Blades results turned to gold after a difficult start which saw them go throughout January without a league victory and a defeat at rock bottom Luton. There only glamour that month came in the FA Cup where, after a 1-1 draw at Highbury, the Blades beat Arsenal in a 3rd round replay - Carl Veart with the only goal. His first win as Blades boss was against today's opponents Oldham Athletic, and with just two defeats in the following ten games, United began to move up the table.
United ended the season nine games unbeaten and was rewarded with a 9th place finish and only six points behind 6th spot. That season; Sunderland, Derby County and Leicester City (via play-offs) were promoted to the Premier League.
In the following season Kendall was allowed to spend heavily on big named players, David Holdsworth, Jan Fjortoft, Petr Katchouro, Carl Tiler and John Ebbrell. The latter cost the Blades £1,000,000 and after 45 minutes into his debut against Reading suffered from an injury which he never recovered and as a result retired. After a pulsating semi-final against Ipswich Town, the Blades made the Play-Off Final only to be outdone by a last minute David Hopkin strike. Like victorious Crystal Palace, the Eagles had suffered the same fate twelve months previous.
Whilst United failed to make it to the big stage, Kendall would leave Bramall Lane and return to Goodison Park for a second spell as manager.
As a supporter (due to my age), Kendall was the first manager I truly recall. He was responsible for giving us good memories, despite defeat we had a great day out at Wembley and he brought my first hero to the Lane, Jan Fjortoft. Thank you Howard.
#RIPHowardKendall