A football club’s most successful captain has taken on the regional daily column of his former manager following his recent death.

Kevin Ratcliffe, who skippered Everton FC and Wales, has been announced as the Liverpool Echo’s newest columnist.

He takes over from Howard Kendall, who managed Kevin during Everton’s glory years in the 1980s and held a long-standing column with the Echo.

Mr Kendall passed away last month aged 69, and the paper ran a front page tribute to him in its Sunday edition.

Kevin, left, with Howard Kendall

Echo sports Editor John Thompson said: “First and foremostly we are obviously devastated to have lost Howard.

“Like every Evertonian and indeed all true football fans, we were shocked ​and saddened ​to hear of his sudden passing at the age of 69.

“Howard had proudly written his Echo column on the Blues for around 20 years now and we were utterly privileged to regard him as part of our own team here in Old Hall Street.

“So replacing Howard is less than easy – it’s impossible really.

“But there is simply no one better in our eyes than for the greatest manager in Everton’s history to be replaced now by the greatest captain in Everton’s rich history.”

Kevin played just under 350 games for Everton over 12 years and was capped by Wales 59 times – often as captain.

His first column was published on the Echo’s website on Thursday, and in print the following day.

Each week will look back at the week’s action and the key Everton issues, as well as forward to the weekend games.

He previously wrote for the Echo more than 10 years ago.

John added: “Kevin lifted so many trophies during the Blues’ glory years of the 80s – the FA Cup, two League titles, the European Cup Winners Cup and the Charity Shield – four years running!

“And but for a cruel twist of fate, with Everton named World team of the Year in 1985, but prohibited from playing in Europe after the Heysel Disaster ban on English clubs​, Kevin might well have got his hands on the European Cup – now the Champions League – itself.”

“Kevin was not just a truly great player and leader but he was Howard’s right hand man on the pitch packed ​full of winners in Blue shirts.

“I’m delighted he’s joined our team – in fact rejoined it after a spell more than a decade ago penning his unique ​views on the Blues.”