English football mourns loss of two footballing greats

English football mourns the loss of two footballing greats with both of their deaths sadly confirmed on Tuesday the 30th of November 2021.

Former England player Ray Kennedy has passed away at the age of 70, with 1987 FA Cup winning boss John Sillett also dying aged 85.

The Liverpool icon, Ray, made 393 appearances for the club during eight successful seasons at Anfield – in which he lifted 11 major trophies.

He had also been battling Parkinson’s disease for long while, as mentioned in the video below.

Kennedy joined Liverpool from Arsenal in 1974, having come through the ranks in north London to play over 200 games for the Gunners.

He also made 17 appearances for England, scoring three goals, and won six England under-23 caps, following his first appearance in a win over Wales at the County Ground on 5 January 1972.

Don Revie gave Kennedy his first cap on 24 March 1976 in a friendly with Wales at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham; Kennedy scored the opening goal as England won the game 2–1. However he was never able to establish himself as England’s left-sided midfielder of choice due to the form of Trevor Brooking.

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge led the tributes to Kennedy, writing: “Yet another magnificent Ex LFC star has passed away folks.

“Ray Kennedy what a player and lovely bloke who suffered so much with Parkinson’s disease for most of his life. He will definitely never walk alone. RIP Ray ynwa.”

That led to fans and supporters paying tribute.

Another #LFC great has sadly left us, a parting gift from Shankly his elegance on the left of midfield lit up the Paisley era and his brave battle with Parkinsons disease was an inspiration to many, RIP Ray Kennedy 🕯❤️https://t.co/IhtxaVcf7y

— Dan Kay 💙 (@dankay) November 30, 2021

Kennedy was a left-midfielder in Liverpool’s hugely-successful team in the late 1970s and early ’80s, going on to win five First Division titles, three European Cups and the UEFA Cup.

During his five seasons with the Gunners prior to his record move to Liverpool, with around £200,000, he lifted the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, the First Division and the FA Cup.

Liverpool’s official statistician, Ged Rea, tweeted: “RIP Ray Kennedy. One of the legendary Liverpool midfielders of any generation.

“His team mates and opponents knew just how brilliant he was. He fought a horrible illness for many years with great dignity and resolve. Truly gutted to hear this news today.”

Kennedy departed Liverpool in January 1982 and signed for Welsh outfit Swansea City for £160,000 and he lifted the Welsh Cup during his spell with them before ending his career with a brief spell at Hartlepool United.

Meanwhile, former Coventry City manager John Sillett, who guided the Sky Blues to FA Cup victory in 1987, has died aged 85.

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 which he also found to be good at.

“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.”

Coventry City wrote a heartfelt statement said their website: “Coventry City Football Club are devastated to learn of the death of Sky Blues icon John Sillett.

“The Sky Blues’ legendary FA Cup winning boss and Life President has sadly passed away at the age of 85.

“‘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.

“His performances at right-back were instrumental in City’s promotion to Division 2 and the exciting FA Cup run in 1962-63. He left City in July 1966 for Plymouth, having appeared 128 times for Coventry City.

“John had started his coaching career at Bristol City and after successful spell as manager at Hereford United, Gordon Milne brought him back to Highfield Road in 1979 as chief scout and later youth coach but that initial spell on the coaching staff was short-lived as the team were having a difficult time.

“However, ‘Snoz’ was later returned under the auspices of Don Mackay in 1985 and by May of the following year Sillett took on the role as chief coach, alongside Managing Director George Curtis, following the parting of the ways with Mackay.

“As chief coach, Sillett would famously lead the Sky Blues to FA Cup victory in May 1987, following a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, securing the Club’s first and only major trophy.

“A 10^th place finish would be achieved in 1986/87, with the role of Sillett formalised as he became sole Manager at the end of the season. 10^th, 7^th and 12^th place finishes would follow in the top division, however Sillett was sacked in November 1990.

“Later in the decade, following a further spell at Hereford, he would scout for the Sky Blues and be a popular presence on the microphone and around the lounges at Highfield Road, alongside working as a Central TV pundit.

“In 2011, Sillett was made a Life President of Coventry City. In 2017, Sillett was on the pitch at Wembley to rouse Sky Blues fans ahead of the Checkatrade Trophy Final, and attended the League Two Play-Off Final – his presence on the big screen generating a huge cheer from City supporters.

“John, alongside wife Jean, remained a regular in the Boardroom at games up until his death. He attended his final game earlier this season, watching the Sky Blues beat Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season.

“A hugely respected and loved figure in the game, John Sillett’s name is indelibly etched into Coventry City’s history, and the thoughts and condolences of everyone at Coventry City Football Club and of the whole Sky Blue community are with John’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

RIP John Sillett

Coventry City Football Club are devastated to learn of the death of Sky Blues icon John Sillett at the age of 85.https://t.co/VAKY3NC5wP #PUSB pic.twitter.com/HGula3cVBQ

— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) November 30, 2021

Former Coventry goalkeeper Steve Ogrizovic, who played for the Sky Blues from 1984-2000 and was a member of the 1987 FA Cup-winning team, told BBC CWR: “He was one of those people who whenever he entered a room, he lit it up with his charisma and personality.

“He was great fun to be around, he told some brilliant stories, very humorous and he’ll be greatly missed.

“He was a great believer in round pegs in round holes and he just made players feel far, far better than they actually were.”

Forward Dave Bennett, who scored Coventry’s opening goal at Wembley, said Sillett created a “special bond” with squad members, who are still friends to this day.

“On and off the park, the spirit of the 87 team is epitomised by John Sillett, with George (Curtis) putting a little bit of discipline in. He was a good speaker, he always made sure he was getting his point across, he was inspirational.

“The person who brought me to Coventry was Bobby Gould, when John was still doing the youth team. When he stepped up to being the first-team coach he sat us down in the changing room and said ‘how can I get the best out of this team?’

“We all said we wanted to play to feet to get the best out of Cyrille (Regis), myself and other members of the squad and he just galvanised us. He wanted us to have fun, we wanted to enjoy our football and it all knitted together.”

Bennett added: “He knew when to give us a telling off but he also knew to when we needed to go out and let our hair down. He was a fantastic motivator, gentlemen and a close friend.”

Howard Wilkinson, chairman of the League Managers’ Association said: “I have been privileged to have known John for many years. He was a genuine, well-meaning gentleman, greatly admired throughout football for his honesty and professionalism.

“Football has lost a great servant and our thoughts and condolences are with John’s family and friends at such a sad time.”

R.I.P John Sillett 💙

Love to all family and friends, Gone but never forgotten #KTBFFH pic.twitter.com/lCMAxwZPHV

— Chelsea Lookback ⭐⭐ (@1JamesCHELSEA) November 30, 2021

As mentioned, English football mourns the loss of two footballing greats, see what everyone wrote below…

@steviecovstar: Shed a few tears this morning, loved you John, true legend of this club, Saturday will be an incredibly sad day but let’s fill this arena with sky blue in memory of this wonderful man

@JessieJaggs: My mum looked after John as an NHS professional in recent years. She said had a passion for horse racing (pictures all over the walls) and was unfailingly kind. RIP John.

@leahcim77: RIP John. Thoughts with your family and friends at this sad time. You will be deeply missed in the CCFC community. Thank you for everything you did for our club ❤️

@StevefromCov87: Gutted. I remember “an evening with John Sillet” in the hospitality suite at Highfield Road just before it closed. Lovely guy and an inspiration to all. Taught me to never give up and never belive I can’t achieve something no matter the odds when we won the FA Cup and I was 7.

@SDavoile: Sad sad day. John provided me & many many others with memories that will never fade. He started by inspiring a dressing room, he then energised the sky blue army & finally united the whole city. Spring/Summer 87 Coventry was joyous & a wonderful place to be. Rest well Snoz ⚽️💙

@albionroar: I remember my cousin – a Coventry City fan who is no longer with us – telling me he went home via Wembley from Sussex that weekend to celebrate his team winning the FA Cup. He didn’t remember a thing. And he always thanked John Sillett for that.

@IBradders: My condolences to John’s family & friends & also all at Coventry City FC staff & fans alike. Whenever I see a picture of John smiling I’m immediately transported back to 1987, that wonderful FA Cup final & Covs finest hour, RIP Sir.

@63blueevans: What sad news. That cup final was just magical and seeing him walking round the pitch after the game with such a huge smile was an iconic moment in FA cup history. RIP John Sillett

@timwazbucket: What a player, such a shame that he suffered in later life. A player who if I remember rightly was admired by managers & opponents the world over and adored by all who had the chance to see his mercurial talents in a LFC shirt. Condolences to all who knew & loved him. RIP Ray

@johnbrab: RIP Ray Kennedy What a player. Shanklys last signing and converted from striker to a Left midfielder by Bob Paisley. Part of our greatest ever midfield Kennedy, McDermott, souness, Case. Play you off the park or fight you off it. Steel in a silk glove. YNWA Ray ❤ free from pain

@JeffAB61: Waiting for Liverpool autographs in the wind and rain outside the Washington Post House Hotel, circa 1975 – Ray Kennedy took pity and invited me in, bought me a cup of tea and introduced me to the rest of the team. And WHAT a team! A lovely guy and a great player.

@JaegerPhil: Gutted, one of my favourite players growing up. So sad,losing too many. A true legend. RIP .

@davepartly: How sad, Ray was in the best midfield 4 we ever had, great player, great man. R.I.P.

@ThebfgGazza: 2 more proper football men gone, Ray Kennedy a player that even when he moved to Liverpool I always wanted him to do well, seemed to have lived with Parkinsons most of his life & John Sillett worked with him many times, lovely man shared many a conversation about racing, sad day!

Really sad news that Ray Kennedy has passed away after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

A gentleman and a Liverpool legend who won everything there was to win in his career ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QWKVZfgqZ4

— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) November 30, 2021