John Sillett has died at the age of 85, his family have announced in a statement.
Sillett managed Coventry between 1986 and 1990 and led the Sky Blues to FA Cup glory in 1987 when Tottenham were beaten 3-2 in a memorable Wembley final, the only major honour in their 138-year history.
A statement from the Sillett family read: ‘Obviously the family are really saddened by Dad’s passing but we are all so proud of him and what he achieved.’
John Sillett (right), who managed Coventry to their 1987 FA Cup win alongside George Curtis (left), has died aged 85. City goalscorer Dave Bennett lifts the cup
Sillett addresses his players ahead of extra time during their 3-2 win over Tottenham in 1987
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Sillett addresses a memorial service for Cyrille Regis at The Hawthorns in January 2018
The statement added: ‘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.
‘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.’
Southampton-born Sillett was a full-back who began his career at Chelsea in 1954 and went on to play over 100 games for the Blues.
Sillett pictured during his playing days for Chelsea, where he played over 100 times
John Sillett (left) alongside his brother Peter, who also played in Chelsea’s title-winning side
Sillett later played for Coventry and Plymouth before moving into management at Hereford.
He returned to Hereford for a second spell between 1991 and 1992 after leading Coventry to the FA Cup.