Individuals, families, groups and businesses are able to get their names on the planned statue of Coventry City legends George Curtis and John Sillett.
The name of everyone who donates £500 or more will be added to plinth of the statue, which will honour the two Sky Blues legends who guided the Club to FA Cup glory back in 1987.
To donate, visit www.ccfc.co.uk/statue-appeal
Fundraising efforts are already underway for the statue, which will be located facing Jimmy Hill Way near the South Entrance of the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Over £135,000 was raised by a range of donors, including Coventry City Football Club, ahead of plans being formally announced, and now supporters and the wider public are encouraged to donate to get the fundraising effort over the line to ensure that two giants of Coventry City’s rich history get the recognition they truly deserve - with an £87,000 fundraising target.
While donations of £500 or more will see names etched into Coventry City history, all donations are welcome – with nearly £16,000 raised already, and more fundraising initiatives and events planned.
Joe Elliott, the former Coventry City Chairman and Director who is chairing the Committee, said:
“Individuals, families, supporter groups and businesses can put their name on the statue by donating £500 or more, which will be something very special for them to look back at over the years.
“Lots of people are contributing in so many ways already to making this Statue a reality and giving George and John the tribute they so richly deserve.
“To give £500 to make this happen would be a tremendous contribution, but at the same time all donations play their part.
“The 1987 Cup triumph was built on a team philosophy, and so will this statue becoming a reality!”
To donate, visit www.ccfc.co.uk/statue-appeal
George Curtis passed away in July 2021 at the age of 82 and John Sillett passed away in November 2021 aged 85.
George was 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, Curtis 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 that took charge and guided City to top-flight safety at the end of the 1985/86 season and FA Cup victory at Wembley in 1987. George was made a Life President of the Club in 2012.
John Sillett joined City as a player in 1962, arriving from Chelsea as Jimmy Hill’s first signing. His performances at right-back were instrumental in City’s promotion to Division 2. He left in July 1966, having appeared 128 times for Coventry City.
He had spells on the coaching staff in the late 70s and the 80s, and in 1986 was part of the management duo that guided the Club to safety and then took on the role as chief coach as the Sky Blues achieved FA Cup glory in May 1987. Sillett then took sole charge of team affairs, achieving 10th, 7th and 12th place finishes before leaving the Club in November 1990. Later in the decade, he would scout for the Sky Blues and be a matchday host. In 2011, Sillett was made Life President.
The Statue will see the huge achievements of Curtis and Sillett celebrated and will be made by the critically acclaimed UK sculptor Douglas Jennings - past footballing figures to be immortalised by Douglas include Johnny Haynes, George Cohen and Jack Charlton, and he has also produced statues of other figures including Queen Elizabeth II.
To donate, visit www.ccfc.co.uk/statue-appeal