A BID has been launched to ‘unite Coventry like back in 1987’ by raising the cash needed to build a statue of the Sky Blues FA Cup heroes George Curtis and John Sillett.
The duo famously guided the Sky Blues to safety in 1986 followed by FA Cup glory the following year.
The club has raised over £135,000 towards the project through donors, but £87,000 is still needed- a total decided to align with the 87 cup win.
The campaign to raise the remaining cash was launched today (Thursday) and supporters have donated over £2,100 within hours of the GoFundMe page going live.
The statue will face Jimmy Hill Way near the South Entrance of the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Several members of the FA Cup winning team, including Dave Bennett, who scored in the final, were at the arena for the launch event, as were members of George and John’s family.
Members of George and John’s family were at the launch event.
Curtis first joined the Sky Blues as a player in the 1950s, with the centre-half making 543 appearances and becoming club captain before playing an influential role behind the scenes.
John Sillett joined City as a player in 1962, making 128 appearances in four years, before having spells on the coaching staff in the 70s and 80s.
Curtis passed away in July 2021 at the age of 82 and Sillett passed away in November 2021 aged 85.
Joe Elliott.
Joe Elliott, who is chair of the committee behind the statue, told the Observer: “There is lots of passion and excitement around the project, this is replicating what happened in 1987 where everyone wanted to get involved.
“It’s an immense part of the history of this club and a story that needed telling in a statue.
“I can remember watching John and George play in the 50s, they were great players and were real heroes of so many people.
“It’s been immense to have the families on board, this is an exciting project but a personal one for them, but they are lovely people and immensely supportive.”
Sculptor Douglas Jennings, whose previous works have included statues of Queen Elizabeth II and England World Cup winner Jack Charlton, told the Observer the design is now completed and the fabrication of the armatures is set to begin next week.
Sculptor Douglas Jennings.
Inger Curtis, George’s wife, said the family was proud and honoured to have this statue to honour the duo’s ‘fantastic achievement.’
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/gpb66-fund-a-statue-for-george-curtis-and-john-sillett to donate.
