DETAILS have been announced of the special public tribute service at Coventry Cathedral for the late Sky Blues and football legend Jimmy Hill.
The public are being urged to attend the event on Friday, February 12, at 5.30pm, to celebrate and mark former Coventry City manager and chairman Mr Hill’s exceptional life – and his huge contribution to the city and the national game.
Speakers at the event include members of his family and two other giants of football – BBC match commentator John Motson and former Sky Blues player and manager Bobby Gould, who has said everything he has was due to the support he received from Mr Hill.
Also speaking with be another former Coventry City Football Club chairman and life-president, Joe Elliott, and current Sky Blues executive Chris Anderson.
Mr Elliott told the Observer Mr Hill’s life included a love of brass bands and classical music, which will both feature.
Among performers will be two musical Sky Blues fans, West End singing star Dave Willetts, and professional violinist Jonathan Strange, author of a book about City cup-winning hero Keith Houchen.
Professional Footballers’ Association Chief Executive Gordon Taylor will also speak about his predecessor’s pivotal contributions to the game past and present, including Mr Hill’s achievements in abolishing the maximum wage for players before he came to Coventry in the 1960s.
Video tributes at the cathedral will also mark the extraordinary life of Mr Hill, also a national treasure as BBC Match of the Day presenter, who passed away last month aged 87.
A statement of the club website about ticketing and other arrangements reads: “An initial 900 tickets for the event, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30pm, will be made available to the general public. Tickets are free, with a maximum of 2 tickets per person. 700 tickets will be available from the CCFC Offices at the Butts Park Arena from 10am until 4pm on Friday 22nd January and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
“For individuals unable to travel to the Butts Park Arena, 200 tickets will be made available. These can be requested by e-mailing [email protected] and will also be allocated on a first come, first served basis from 6pm on Friday 22nd January – any e-mails prior to 6pm will not be considered.
“The initial batch of tickets will give fans the chance to watch the event from within the Cathedral, on either seats or standing – with seating allocated on a first come, first served basis on the night. We will be seeking to make a further batch of tickets available, and will be able to confirm details regarding this shortly.
“Further information regarding the celebration at the Cathedral and tributes at Coventry City’s ‘Legends Day’ against Bury on 13th February will be announced in the coming weeks.”
