Coventry City is saddened to learn of the passing of one of its scouts, Adrian Rigby, after a long battle with Cancer.
Adrian worked at the Sky Blues for 3 years but had previously worked with Mark Robins and Stuart Benthom at Huddersfield.
He’s worked at every level of the game and leaves behind him a legacy of hard work, honesty and commitment that will always be remembered.
All at Coventry City would like to thank Adrian for his work and his commitment to the Club, and would like to express our condolences to Adrian's family and friends.
Friends and colleagues from the world of football have paid tribute to Adrian:
I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Adrian Rigby, a valued member of staff for a number of years. Adrian has a lot of respect in the game due to his work, diligence and a keen eye for player. He will be sorely missed and his contribution to the club will always be remembered. My condolences to his wife and family
Mark Robins, Coventry City
The world has lost a good person and that is the fundamental of what Ade was, a genuine honest guy who we will miss as not just a scout but also a friend. No matter the weather condition or time, if there was a football match on Ade would be there and I don’t think was a player in his area that he didn’t know. A fountain of knowledge and information, someone who wears his heart on his sleeve and always told you the truth and his dedication to the job was second to none – even in his final days Ade was telling me how the nurses grandson has a great left foot and a national county sprint champion – that sums the man up for me, even though he was ill he was still thinking about football and CCFC.
A man who leaves behind a loving family that he would always talk about, almost as much as his garden and dogs, I will miss our conversations and I’m sure we will all raise a drink in your memory - Although I’m sure you will be doing a scout report looking down on us, thank you for all that you did and Rest in Peace…
Chris Badlan, Coventry City
Adrian, a kind and generous man, both with his time and manner. Always happy to share his experiences and his knowledge. Thorough and committed in finding players. Positive and charming in his approach. Having worked with him previously I was delighted when he agreed to join CCFC. A real asset as an experienced and diligent scout. A man with integrity, with dignity and a genuine love of football. We have lost a top class scout and an even better man. A colleague and a friend.
Stuart Benthom, Coventry City
We first knew each other in schoolboy football Southport, Merseyside at 15yrs of age.
He went his way and i went my way and then met again years later. We then worked together at several clubs scouting and became good mates.
He loved the game, was professional, reliable, honest and had a good eye for a player especially young ones. He was well liked by the football family, engaging and had a good sense of fun. Away from football we would meet up for a meal and a nice bottle of red wine, talk footy, about the past, our love of holidays in Majorca and how lucky he was to have his lovely wife Gina plus of course the dogs.
I WAS PRIVILEGED TO HAVE HAD HIM AS A FRIEND
Brian Greenhalgh (Greenie)
Adrian worked as part of my scouting teams in three clubs, he was successful in all. He was initially recommended to me by the late Graham Taylor and it was immediately clear why he was so respected. Not only did Adrian have an outstanding passion for football at all levels of the game, he was also a wonderfully warm person who everyone he came into contact with appreciated. A family man, a football man and all in all a brilliant man who I’m proud to have had the opportunity to know.
Ross Wilson, Rangers
I first met Adrian when I worked for Watford in the late 90’s, straight away I found him a lovely man with a big smile warm and friendly, loved talking football had a great knowledge of the game, we moved clubs as you do in our job but we always kept in touch by phone or on the scouting scene, whenever I saw Adrian in a scout room around the country he always had that lovely welcoming smile and he was always a face I loved seeing and really enjoyed his company at games.
Will certainly miss him as a friend at games and on the end of a phone talking football which he had a great passion for to do the job. Rest in peace
Mel Johnson, QPR
I have known Adrian for over 30 years in our roles as football scouts. As scouts our paths do not cross too often. Adrian was a top scout well liked by everyone. A quality man good company and very intelligent. It’s a sad day and a great loss to football .We send our heartfelt condolences to his family.
John and Sue Green
Ade was a warm drink on a cold day. His calm words and company were often all I could remember from some of the games at which we had met. A man of knowledge and trust who will be greatly missed, God Bless you at this heart breaking time
George Rooney, Sheffield Wednesday
Definitely an one off and a great part of the team.
Allan Fraser
I had known Adrian in his capacity as a scout for over 30 years, often meeting up at youth and first team games. We shared very similar views and spent pre-match and half-time catching up and sharing our knowledge of players - he was one of the few fellow scouts I could truly trust.
He will be sorely missed by many who shared his company and commitment to his scouting duties.
Glynn Lodge
Ade was a lovely fellow and an astute scout with a good eye for detail. I shall miss his gentle humour.
Mick MacNeill, Crystal Palace