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Bill Kenwright has paid tribute to “working class hero” Sandy Brown, after the former title-winning Everton defender died aged 75.

The Scot made 31 influential appearances for the Blues during their League Championship winning campaign of 1969/70, after signing for the Goodison outfit in September 1963 from Partick Thistle.

Renowned as a tough defender, the left-back was also blessed with an ability to read the game and was occasionally deployed as a defensive midfielder by manager Harry Catterick.

Brown, who scored the only goal in a dramatic European Cup Winners’ Cup fixture against Real Zaragoza in 1966, made 253 appearances before departing Goodison for Shrewsbury Town in May 1971.

Blues chairman Kenwright recalled a humble player who performed selflessly for the Toffees, and was held in high esteem by him and fellow supporters.

He said: “To me Sandy always seemed like a true working class hero. The kind of player that doesn’t seem to be around much any more.

“A real utility player who could and did play everywhere on the pitch!

“The fact that he is remembered by Evertonians such as me as a great full-back is a true testament to his determination and spirit. On the field and off he never gave up. I obviously met him on several occasions as a former player.

“He was always hugely humble and seemed genuinely touched and even astonished at the warmth Evertonians still had for him.

“It truly was his club. He suffered a lot in his later years and we all pray he has now found a permanent position in his blue and white palace in the sky.”

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