Everton 'deeply saddened' by death of former director who inspired younger generations

Everton’s club life vice-president Keith Tamlin, who was a long-serving club director, has died at the age of 97

Everton’s club life vice-president Keith Tamlin has died aged 97.

Born in 1928 – the year that Dixie Dean netted a Football League record 60 goals in a season, playing for Everton’s First Division title-winning side – Tamlin gave his name to the annual award for the Blues academy player deemed to have shown excellence, attitude and application with winners including Ross Barkley, Tom Davies, Beni Baningime and Tyler Onyango.

A long-serving club director, Tamlin gave more than three decades of distinguished service to Everton, with particular responsibility for youth development. Under his guidance, the club twice lifted the FA Youth Cup and developed generations of talented players.

A solicitor by profession, Tamlin was a partner in the Cuff Roberts firm, later acquired Hill Dickinson who are now Everton’s official stadium naming rights partner. He also served as president of the Liverpool Law Society, reflecting the high regard in which he was held in his field.

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Educated at Ruthin School, Tamlin served as an infantry captain in the Middle East after the Second World War, before joining the Everton board in August 1974 following a period as the club’s solicitor – a role he continued to fulfil for many years while serving as a director.

Tamlin stepped down from the board in 2004, when he was awarded the honorary title of club life vice-president in recognition of his outstanding contribution. Despite relinquishing his formal duties, the club say he remained a regular and much-loved presence at Goodison Park, attending matches well into his 90s.

As part of a club statement, an Everton spokesperson said: “Everyone at Everton Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of our club life vice-president, Keith Tamlin, who has passed away peacefully at the age of 97. Respected for his professionalism, dedication and passion for Everton, Keith will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew and worked with him.”

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