John Clinkard was described as the "last of the famous three" from Everton's golden days
Former Everton physio John Clinkard
Former Everton physio John Clinkard (Image: Phil Cole/Allsport UK)
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An "immensely popular figure" who secured his place in the long history of Everton FC was laid to rest today. John Clinkard, physiotherapist for Everton's most successful team in the mid-1980s, died in the early hours of January 16 following a two-year battle with bile duct cancer.
Clinkard, 71, was the last of the famous trio from Everton's golden days. Coach Mick Heaton died in 1995 aged 48, and manager Howard Kendall died in 2015 aged 69.
With his distinctive brown moustache, Clinkard was thought to be the spitting image of actor Tom Selleck, who played the title role in the American crime drama Magnum, P.I. He was such a convincing lookalike that when brewers Whitbread opened their Magnum Wine Bar at the Briars Hall Hotel in Lathom near Skelmersdale, Clinkard was hired to head the launch, adopting the role of the TV sleuth.
His funeral service took place today, February 12, at the South Oxfordshire Crematorium in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Donations in his memory were made to the Dogs Trust and Football Beyond Boarders, an education and social inclusion charity.
In a tribute posted shortly after his death, an Everton FC spokesman said: "Everyone at Everton Football Club was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former physiotherapist, John Clinkard.
"An immensely popular figure during our success in the 1980s, John sadly died at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer. RIP, Magnum."
The Blues showed their support with tributes of their own. David Griffiths said: "A huge part of the success of the great teams of the 1980s and such a popular character. He had to deal with players at their lowest point with injury and always kept them positive. Very sad news."
Jeff Gillen said: "Must have been a great physio because in the day there was not many injuries and it was a tough game then not like today remember 1 sub was allowed I think great member of a great team RIP JC"
Chris Jones said: "He was a great physio. I had chronic back pain for a year, but John fixed it in a couple of sessions. A real healer and a lovely man who will be very sorely missed."
Anna Fearnley said: "John, thank you for being a very special person to me and my children Scott & Louisa during those days you were married to my sister Lucia. Those special times when your job was to look after those Everton Players that went on to win the league. You were more part of the team back then as I recall. RIP John now at peace. You meant so much to so many people."
Clinkard joined Oxford United in 1988 following his time at Everton. There he worked under former managers Denis Smith and Malcolm Crosby.
In a statement, Oxford United said: "A brilliant physio and an even better character, John was a natural storyteller who brought warmth, humour and humanity to the dressing room.
"He built lasting relationships throughout the club, none stronger than with the squad that achieved promotion in 1996. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed."
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