Peter Johnson: Former Tranmere Rovers owner and Everton chairman dies aged 84
- Published
Former Tranmere Rovers owner Peter Johnson sold the club in 2014
Former Tranmere Rovers owner and Everton chairman Peter Johnson has died at the age of 84.
Johnson took Tranmere out of administration in 1987 before the Birkenhead-born businessman bought a controlling stake in Everton in 1994.
The Goodison Park club beat Manchester United to win the FA Cup in 1995 during his time in charge.
Johnson then sold his shares to Bill Kenwright late in 1998 and returned to Tranmere.
The club went on to reach the second-tier play-offs on three occasions, as well as making the League Cup final in 2000.
Johnson went on to sell the club to former Football Association chief Mark Palios and his wife Nicola in 2014.
Tranmere offered their condolences to Johnson's family, while Everton said they were "deeply saddened" to learn of his death.
"Without his intervention in the 1980s, there may well literally not have been a Tranmere Rovers today," Palios said.
"Everyone who loves the club owes him an enormous debt of gratitude and I will miss him hugely. Thank you for everything Peter, and God speed."