SKY Blues legend Ernie Hunt has passed away aged 75.
The former Coventry City striker died on Wednesday night after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
A Coventry city spokesperson said: “Coventry City Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the death of the former striker Ernie Hunt.
“Mr Hunt passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 75 in a care home in Gloucestershire, having suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
“Mr Hunt was a Sky Blues legend and was a firm fans’ favourite during his five years at Coventry City, making 173 appearances and scoring 51 goals, including ‘that’ free-kick.
“Ernie continued to keep up to date with all things Coventry and would attend events, including Legends Day, whenever possible.
“The thoughts of everyone at Coventry City Football Club are with the friends and family of Ernie after their loss.”
Starting his career with hometown club Swindon Town back in 1957, the striker made over 200 appearances before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1965.
After two years with Wolves and a loan spell at Los Angeles Wolves he moved to Everton, where he would then join Coventry following his time on Merseyside in 1968.
Ironically, after moving from Everton, Ernie scored one of the most famous goals in English football history against his former side.
Awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area, team-mate Willie Carr gripped the ball between his heels and flicked it up for Ernie to volley home.
That same season, he was an important part of the Sky Blues’ sole European campaign during the 1970/71 campaign.
He went out on loan to Doncaster, and then after another loan spell with Bristol City, he joined them in 1973.
In the twilight of his career, he moved down to non-league with Atherstone Town and then Ledbury Town.
Ernie hung up his boots to do a variety of jobs including window cleaning and running a pub in Ledbury.
