A SHORT service to honour Jimmy Hill at his statue outside the Ricoh Arena will take place on Saturday – and Sky Blues fans and the public are urged to attend.
A book of condolences for anyone to pass comment in and sign has also been set up in ticket offices at the Ricoh Arena and the Butts Park Arena – which will go to the late Mr Hill’s family.
National and local celebrities, dignitaries, former players and football legends have all been paying their respects to the ex-Coventry City manager and chairman, and BBC Match of the Day presenter, who transformed the Sky Blues and the game of football itself.
A statement on Coventry City’s website today reads: “Coventry City FC will be holding a short service at the Jimmy Hill statue before the Port Vale game on Boxing Day.
“The former Sky Blues manager and chairman passed away on Saturday at the age of 87 and the club are eager to honour the work of Jimmy in the coming weeks and months.
“Ahead of the game against the Valiants, City manager Tony Mowbray and goalkeeping coach Steve Ogrizovic will lay a wreath at the statue to mark the club’s respect for the former manager.
“The Dean of Coventry John Witcombe will lead a prayer and blessing of the statue at 1.15pm before fans are invited to lay their flowers and tributes as well.
“The club would like to urge as many fans as possible to join us for the short service ahead of the Boxing Day game as we remember and celebrate everything Jimmy did for our club.
“We’ll also be announcing further tributes to Jimmy in the New Year.”
