With the Sky Blues making great progress in this year’s FA Cup, the Club’s history in the competition is being rekindled in the minds of supporters.
It is appropriate that this year of all years, City have reached the Quarter Final stage after the fundraising appeal to honour FA Cup winning management duo George Curtis and John Sillett was launched in January.
Big or small - donate to the Statue Appeal now
The pair led the Club to 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 £24,000 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. It’s a great opportunity to mingle with former Sky Blues stars, including members of the 87 FA Cup winning squad, plus celebrities and also enjoy 18 holes of Golf and fun - all while raising funds for the Statue Appeal.
It is £300.00 per team of 4 (Team of 3 can also play with a Celebrity) – this includes coffee and a bacon batch on arrival, 18 Holes Green Fee, three-course Dinner plus team and Individual prizes, based on Stableford format. To book or for info, please contact Neil Sillett on neilsillett@icloud.com
Joe Elliott, chair of the Statue Appeal committee which includes both families, fans and Coventry City, said:
“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.
“The 1987 Cup triumph was built on a team philosophy, and so will this statue becoming a reality!”
