As Coventry City booked their place in the FA Cup Semi-Final with the amazing win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, memories of 1987 came flooding back.
Up until the victory at Molineux, City’s appearance at Hillsborough in the last four in 1987 against Leeds United was the Club’s only visit to that stage of the competition – Mark Robins’ side had truly made history, and it is appropriate that momentous feat came in the year that the fundraising appeal for the statue of George Curtis and John Sillett was launched.
Those memories and links with the past were further enhanced by the Semi-Final draw – when Coventry City were drawn against Manchester United. The boys of 87 of course dispatched the Red Devils in the Fourth Round at Old Trafford, when Keith Houchen’s solitary strike was enough for victory.
George and John would go on to lead the Club to FA Cup triumph in May 1987, beating Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in a classic final at Wembley. This added to their achievements already at the Club, including as the pair took charge and guided the Club to top flight safety in 1986.
George was a legendary player at the Club – captain and leader in the Sky Blue Revolution of the 60s as the Sky Blues rose through the league, he played a total of 543 games for the Club from 1956 to 1969. Curtis 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 George was made a Life President of the Club in 2012.
John joined City as a player in 1962, and his performances at right-back were instrumental in promotion to Division 2. He left in July 1966 after 128 games, but had spells on the coaching staff in the late 70s and 80s. After being in joint charge, following the 87’ triumph Sillett took sole charge of team affairs, achieving 10th, 7th and 12th place finishes before leaving in November 1990. He would later scout for the Sky Blues, be a matchday host and Life President.
Over £140,000 was raised by private donors prior to the launch, with more added since then too. Around £26,500 has also been raised online via Go Fund Me – and you can add to that total by visiting www.ccfc.co.uk/Statue-Appeal
You can also donate directly to the Appeal’s bank account - Account Number: 54561824, Sort Code: 40-63-01.
Cheques can also be sent to: Statue Appeal, C/O Mark Hornby, Coventry City FC, Coventry Building Society Arena, Judds Lane, CV6 6GE.
Any individual, family or business who donates £500 or more will get their name on the plinth of the statue, which will be located at the South Entrance of the Coventry Building Society Arena.
A Golf Day is also being held at Stoneleigh Deer Park on Thursday 9th May and the event has now sold-out! Former Sky Blues stars, including members of the 87 FA Cup winning squad, will be in attendance plus celebrities for 18 holes of Golf and fun - all while raising funds for the Statue Appeal.
To support the fundraising and donate any amount, large or small, just visit www.ccfc.co.uk/Statue-Appeal
