We are taking a moment today on the final day of 2021 to remember some of those players and staff of Coventry City who have sadly passed away this year.
This year, the Sky Blues lost two giants of the Football Club who gave so much to the Club and were part of the 60s Sky Blue Revolution and the 1987 FA Cup triumph.
George Curtis passed away in July at the age of 82. A legendary player at the Club as a physically powerful centre half and natural leader whose captaincy and consistency were second to none, as Captain he was a key part of the Sky Blue Revolution that saw the Club rise through the leagues and his appearance total of 543 games from 1956 to 1969 remains the second highest in the Club’s history.
‘Iron Man’ George went on to play a hugely influential role behind the scenes at the Sky Blues from 1972 to 1994 in commercial roles and as Managing Director, and of course as part of the management team alongside Chief Coach John Sillett that guided Coventry City to top-flight safety in 1986 and FA Cup victory at Wembley in 1987.
You can read our obituary to George here.
In November, John Sillett passed away at the age of 85. John moved to Highfield Road as a player in 1962 and was part of City’s promotion to Division 2 and would appear 128 times for Coventry City.
As chief coach, Sillett would famously lead the Sky Blues to FA Cup victory in May 1987, following a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, securing the Club’s first and only major trophy.
A 10th place finish would be achieved in 1986/87, with the role of Sillett formalised as he became sole Manager at the end of the season. 10th, 7th and 12th place finishes would follow in the top division, however Sillett was sacked in November 1990. Made Life President in 2011, he would remain a regular presence in the boardroom at games up until hi death.
You can read our obituary to John here.
Other former players, staff and officials who have passed away during 2021 include:
Adrian Rigby
Scout, 2018-2021. Died January 2021.
Peter Hindley
1973-77, 33 games. Died age 76, February 2021.
Ron Newman
1956-57, 13 games, 2 goals. Died aged 87, February 2021.
Ian St John
1971-72, 22 games, 3 goals. Died aged 82, March 2021.
Gordon Simms
1955-59, 1 game. Died aged 84, March 2021.
Chris Chilton
1971-72, 33 games, 5 goals. Died aged 77, May 2021.
John Reason
Director, 1985-2003. Died aged 90, June 2021.
Keith Newbold
Education Officer, 1997-2011. Died aged 85, June 2021.
Brian Nicholas
1958-1962, 121 games. Died aged 88, October 2021.
John Docker
Player, 1962-65. Died aged 74, December 2021.
Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of all those who have passed away during 2021.
We also remember the members of the Sky Blue Army who we have lost during this year, and our condolences extend to their family and friends.
For details regarding matchday remembrance of supporters, click here.