The initials say it all. The Association along with all Sky Blue fans are in mourning for a Coventry City icon, Mr. Soccer and Mr. Sky Blue. One of our members, Mr Jimmy Hill passed away yesterday at the age of 87 after a debilitating illness. Without JH (and Chairman Derrick Robins who brought him to the City) there would have been no Sky Blue Revolution and club and city would not have experienced so many highlights in past decades.
CCFPA sends its sincere condolences to Jimmy’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Of course the Sky Blue world was not the only one where JH made a fundamental impact as manager (1961-67) and later managing director (1975-83). Coventry people will not be the only ones mourning his loss. Apart from his own professional football career Jimmy also proved an influential modernising force in his work for the P.F.A. , and Sports TV Presenting (Match of the Day). Jimmy’s life and career was such a full one it is impossible to do it justice in a few words here.
There were many early tributes yesterday, not least at the Ricoh from club and fans. Sadly the Sky Blues were unable to mark J.H.’s passing with a win being pegged back in injury time against Oldham to achieve a 1-1 draw.
We will inform supporters as soon as we hear about funeral arrangements and any memorial events. CCFPA will almost certainly wish to pay tribute to JH in some way at our upcoming Legends Day reunion in February 2016 when many former players who knew Jimmy personally are likely to be present.