JOHN Keith is one of the top sports journalists on Merseyside.

He has met and interviewed them all from Bill Shankly to Howard Kendall and so many more in football's hall of fame.

His audience with soccer stars from Liverpool and Everton's legends recall glorious cup-winning pasts and they ensure packed-out venues.

John is now looking forward to another Wirral date. and regaling fans with anecdotes and those from the soccer greats to keep fans memorized.

He is bringing his latest show "Kendall's Kings" - a tribute to Everton's most successful manager Howard Kendall to New Brighton Pavilion next week - and it will feature some Toffee greats.

Youth coach Kevin Sheedy has had to withdraw from the cast due to a recently arranged pre-season youth game.

But coming in to join Colin Harvey, Peter Reid and presenter John on stage will be Graeme Sharp, second only to Dixie Dean in Everton’s all-time scoring charts and a key man in Kendall’s side that swept to League title, FA Cup and European triumphs in the 1980s.

Kendall died last October aged 69 and the show tells his story from his early days in the North East, his rise as a player with Preston, his move to Everton - where he became a member of the iconic “Holy Trinity” with Harvey and Alan Ball – and how he later became the most successful manager in the club’s history.

The cast provide their revealing insights into Kendall, the player, the man and manager, supported by exclusive audio clips and images on an evening that will provide a feast of nostalgia for all Evertonians.

A new book published by de Coubertin and devoted to Everton in the 1980s, written by journalist Simon Hart and titled "Here We Go - The Players’ Stories," will be launched in the theatre foyer on the night and signed copies will be available.

Kendall’s widow Lil will be guest of honour at the show and has chosen the Stick ‘n’ Step charity to receive the proceeds of an interval auction of a rare signed Everton jersey from the 1985 European Cup Winners Cup Final in Rotterdam, which has been kindly donated by Roy Caine.

John has been involved in a great many shows in recent years, so I asked him for his favourite moment: "The greatest came right at the end of our first show when the final curtain on the Bill Shankly Story was falling to wonderful applause at Bootle Town Hall in September 2006.

"As we stood on stage Ian St John shouted in my ear: 'If you think this is a one-off then think again.'

"It was the launch moment for all that’s followed with the Shankly show now totalling 25 productions at various venues in five countries.

"Other shows I’ve subsequently written and presented including The Dixie Dean Story, Bob Paisley: Reluctant Genius, several Audience With... shows and our forthcoming Kendall’s Kings at New Brighton on August 4.

"I’ve been privileged to experience some memorable moments but two of the most precious to me were the congratulatory reactions to the Dixie Dean show from Everton luminaries including Dave Hickson, Derek Temple and Duncan McKenzie and, similarly, from Bob Paisley’s family after the premiere of the Paisley show, which was at the Floral Pavilion in September 2014.

"These are memories you treasure and make the hard work of everyone involved worthwhile."

Kendall’s Kings at New Brighton Floral Pavilion on Thursday, August 4, 2016.

Tickets (£19 with £16 concessions) available in person at the theatre box office or by calling 0151 666 0000.

Or you can book on line at: floralpavilion.com