Former Everton physio John Clinkard (Image: Phil Cole/Allsport UK)

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.

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