John Sillett: Coventry City's 1987 FA Cup-winning manager dies aged 85

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John Sillett: Coventry City's 1987 FA Cup-winning manager dies aged 85

Postby dutchman » Tue Nov 30, 2021 3:42 pm

Former Coventry City manager John Sillett, who guided the club to FA Cup victory in 1987, has died aged 85

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Sillett managed the Sky Blues between 1986-90 and was at the helm when the club beat Tottenham 3-2 in the final at Wembley for their first major trophy.

As a full-back, he began his career as a player at Chelsea and made more than 100 appearances for the club after making his debut in 1957.

He played for Coventry and Plymouth Argyle before moving into management.

"Obviously the family are really saddened by dad's passing but we are all so proud of him and what he achieved," a statement from Sillett's family said.

"His ability to spot things tactically, change them during a game and enhance the abilities of players was top class, the respect he had from top people in the game and the kind words we have already received already underline the high regard in which he was held by the football world."

George Curtis, who was joint-manager at Coventry alongside Sillett during the 1987 season, died in July this year aged 82.

In a statement, Coventry described Sillett as an "icon" and said the club were "devastated" to learn of his death.

"'Snoz' will forever be loved and remembered by Sky Blues fans and all who met him, who will remember a larger-than-life character who loved football and Coventry City," the statement said.

After starting his career at Chelsea, Southampton-born Sillett became Jimmy Hill's first signing at Coventry in 1962 for £3,000. He went on to make 128 appearances for the Sky Blues and was part of the team that won promotion to Division Two in 1963-64.

Sillett left Coventry in 1966 to join Plymouth, where he ended his playing career, before being appointed a youth coach at Bristol City.

He moved into management with Hereford in 1974, where he won the Third Division title, and returned to the club in 1991 after his time in charge of Coventry came to an end.

Sillett had rejoined the Sky Blues as a coach in 1979 on the invitation of Hill and spent five years on the staff.

After a short a short spell away, he returned to the club again in 1986 as chief coach, leading Coventry to the greatest day in their history a year later.

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Re: John Sillett: Coventry City's 1987 FA Cup-winning manager dies aged 85

Postby rebbonk » Wed Dec 01, 2021 12:26 am

R.I.P.

We'll not see his like again.
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