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Ainscough’s Coventry depot has played a key role in the installation of a statue of two Coventry City legends.
George Curtis and John Sillett, who both managed the team that lifted the FA Cup in May 1987, are now immortalised at the Coventry Building Society Arena in the statue after a huge fundraising effort by supporters, businesses and benefactors.
The monument, created by sculptor Douglas Jennings, captures the moment the pair lifted the Cup after the Sky Blues defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in a classic final at the old Wembley Stadium.
The statue is located in the South-East corner of the Arena, near to the Club’s Ticket Office and backing on to the Singers Corner section of the stadium, with the statue becoming the new welcome point for many fans to the Arena.
Ainscough Crane Hire utilised a 55t crane to lift the statue in place, and donated its services free of charge in line with the wider charitable endeavour. The team on site was Darren Williams (supervisor) Richard Stephens (crane operator) and Andrew Brown (slinger).
Rob Groat, Area Sales Manager, Ainscough Crane Hire, said: “Myself and a few of my colleagues on this job are Coventry City fans, so it was a real treat to play our part in celebrating two club heroes with this brilliant new statue. It was a privilege to be there at the unveiling alongside so many club legends”
The unveiling was attended by families of both players and stars of Coventry City’s past and the wider football community, as they come together to remember and celebrate the duo that led the Sky Blues to FA Cup glory.
George and John’s 1987 FA Cup triumph added to their achievements already at the Club, including as the pair took charge and guided the Club to top flight safety in 1986.
George was a legendary player at the Club – captain and leader in the Sky Blue Revolution of the 60s as the Sky Blues rose through the league, he played a total of 543 games for the Club from 1956 to 1969. Curtis went on to play a hugely influential role behind the scenes at the Sky Blues from 1972 to 1994 in commercial roles and as Managing Director, and George was made a Life President of the Club in 2012. George passed away in July 2021at the age of 82.
John joined City as a player in 1962, and his performances at right-back were instrumental in promotion to Division 2. He left in July 1966 after 128 games, but had spells on the coaching staff in the late 70s and 80s. After being in joint charge, following the 87’ triumph Sillett took sole charge of team affairs, achieving 10th, 7th and 12th place finishes before leaving in November 1990. He would later scout for the Sky Blues, be a matchday host and Life President. John passed away in November 2021 at the age of 85.
