Coventry stalwart Busst honoured with PFA award

David Busst played for Coventry between 1992 and 1996

Former Coventry City defender David Busst has received the Professional Footballers' Association's Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with the club's community programme.

The PFA accolade, which recognises Busst's work at the club and 22 years running the Sky Blues in the Community programme, was presented at City's final game of the regular season against Middlesbrough at CBS Arena.

Having started his career with non-league Moor Green, Busst joined Premier League Coventry in 1992. Four years later, after 60 appearances for the Sky Blues, he suffered a horrendous broken leg during a match at Manchester United which required 26 operations and ended his playing career.

The following year Busst was appointed as a community coach working in local schools before taking over Sky Blues in the Community in 2003.

Dave Palmer, PFA community director, and Stephen Raynor, senior community liaison executive, presented Busst with his award, with Palmer saying: "No-one is more deserving than Dave.

"He embodies what the PFA strived to achieve in those early days, community transition and career opportunities for our members and Dave's story is a hugely inspiring one.

"He has been a wonderful PFA advocate and is greatly respected by his peers within the network. What he has accomplished during a period of over 30 years with Coventry, firstly as a player and then with great leadership and longevity as head of Sky Blues in the Community has been incredible and truly impactful both for the club and the Coventry community that Dave and his team serve and support so well."

Busst said: "It was an honour and a privilege to be recognised by the PFA who I've been part of since 1992, both playing professionally and working in the community.

"They've always supported me both on and off the pitch, particularly following my injury in 1996, and this award from them for my 'community contribution and long-standing service' will be held in the highest esteem."