Tributes have been pouring in since the news broke this morning that John Sillett has passed away aged 85.
The former Hereford United manager took the side to a Third Division title in 1976 and taking the team to their highest league ever position. Sillett returned to the club in 1991 for a second spell at Edgar Street.
Hereford FC Chairman, Jon Hale had this to say:
“It is with great sadness to learn of John Sillett’s passing this morning. He will be forever fondly remembered by everyone at Edgar Street for his two spells as Manager, and by everyone across the football family for his incredible achievements with Coventry when winning the FA Cup. Whilst I was sadly too young to have seen his first spell as Manager at Edgar Street when United carried off the Third Division title in 1976, John brought Edgar Street to life again when taking over in 1991 with a squad full of characters, and his own unrestricted love for the game was written all over his face when ever you saw him in the dugout or around the club. That smile will be always be remembered. The game has lost a true legend, and a fantastic, warm character. Rest in peace, Snoz.”
His family statement said: “Obviously today the family are really saddened by Dad’s passing but we are all so proud of him and what he achieved.
“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 received already underline the high regard in which he was held by the football world.
“Dad will be remembered for his FA Cup win but he also guided Coventry and Hereford to their highest league positions as well as taking Coventry to a league cup semi-final, he had the ability to galvanise and gel teams a skill quite rare.”
Former players of John’s have also paid tribute.
Paul Hunt – “A very tough manager but fair he was a great character. Pleasure to play for him at HUFC. RIP Gaffer.”
Andy Theodosiou – “John Sillett was such a big character, I was scared of him, I loved him, he was really good for me and gave me a lot of confidence, he was good for my game. I can’t speak highly enough of him. The best manager I played for.”
Derek Hall – “RIP John Sillett, my youth team coach at Coventry City, absolutely incredible times being part of a great group of lads led by a truly gifted coach but also some one who taught us to enjoy life as well. I will remember our tournaments away in Holland winning against the likes of Ajax, top German teams and other countries teams, then the party afterwards to celebrate. I then went on to be his captain at Hereford United many years later, he was always very polite to my family and showed what a true gentleman he was, but make no mistake if you let him down you certainly knew about it, but if you won games and got on a great run he was the best manager to play for ever. Character personified.”
Gareth Davies – “RIP Boss! What a character and great football man!”
Peter Heritage – “RIP Gaffa xx”
Chris Price – “Great memories of the Boss (John Sillett) he used to make us have a mouthful of whiskey before we went out on the pitch. It used to warm us up a bit lol. RIP Big man.”
