Statue plan to celebrate Coventry City legends

Funds are being raised to create a monument in tribute to George Curtis and John Sillett

A statue to celebrate the careers of two Coventry City football legends has been announced.

The monument is set to honour George Curtis and John Sillett for their efforts in guiding the club to FA Cup victory in 1987.

The statue will be installed near the South Entrance of the Coventry Building Society Arena.

So far, more than £135,000 has been raised by donors towards the project.

Curtis, a former captain and manager, is remembered for helping 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.

Known as 'Iron Man' George, he went on to play an influential role behind the scenes at the Sky Blues from 1972 to 1994 in commercial roles and as managing director.

He died in July 2021 at the age of 82.

Sillett joined the club as a player in 1962 and had spells on the coaching staff in the late 70s and the 80s.

He then took on the role as chief coach ahead of the 1987 victory and went on to take sole charge of team affairs, achieving tenth, seventh and twelfth place finishes before leaving the club in November 1990.

The football legends both played for the club in the 1960s and went on to help the club secure FA Cup victory

He died at 85 in November 2021.

The statue to mark their achievements will be created by sculptor Douglas Jennings.

A committee has been formed to guide the fundraising and the statue project, which includes members of the Curtis and Sillett families.

Joe Elliott, the former Coventry chairman who is chairing the committee, said: "It is wonderful to be talking about an amazing piece of history that made a city so happy for so long. Winning the FA Cup in 1987 brought the people of Coventry and supporters all over the world together in celebration that still can be felt today."

A statue of former manager and television pundit Jimmy Hill was unveiled at the arena in 2011 after £100,000 was raised by fans.