"Coventry City legend George Curtis has died aged 82"

[dutchman]

He played over 500 times for the Sky Blues and co-managed the team to FA Cup glory in 1987 alongside John Sillett



Coventry City legend George Curtis has sadly died aged 82.

The popular figure, known warmly as Iron Man due to his no-nonsense style, played a huge part in two key periods of Sky Blues history.

Firstly, during his playing days, he appeared 543 times between 1955 and 1969 - a record only surpassed by Steve Ogrizovic.

As captain, his hard-man defending contributed to Coventry's astonishing climb through the footballing league pyramid under Jimmy Hill's Sky Blue Revolution which saw the club go from the old fourth division to the top flight.

His popularity in the city meant he continued to contribute after his playing days ended, firstly as Commercial Manager at the club and later as a managing director.

But his greatest glory after hanging up his boots was co-managing the team to FA Cup glory in 1987 alongside fellow Sky Blues legend John Sillett.

"George and John's Sky Blue Army" was a chant heard regularly in the FA Cup run that saw Coventry lift the trophy after a stunning 3-2 victory over Tottenham at Wembley.

Tributes have been being paid to George on social media today (18 July).

Coventry City tweeted: "Coventry City Football Club are devastated to learn of the death of Sky Blues icon George Curtis at the age of 82."

David Phillips, one of George's players in the 1987 season, said: "Just heard the very very sad news that George Curtis has passed away. So much respect and love for him. Thoughts are with Inga and the family.

"I don’t know of many people who were honest , dedicated ,truthful and loyal as George. So sad and will be deeply missed."

Club historian and chairman of the Former Players Association Jim Brown said: Very sad to hear of the passing of George Curtis . Legendary captain of @Coventry_City & as important to the Sky Blue Revolution as Jimmy Hill. His influence on the club extended to 1987 & beyond. RIP George.