Press Release: Jimmy Hill Tribute Appeal is launched

Legend is a term which can be overused in football circles – but few would disagree it rightly applies to former Sky Blues manager and chairman Jimmy Hill.And now a campaign to erect a permanent reminder of Hill and his achievements has been launched by Coventry City director Joe Elliott.Elliott is behind the Jimmy Hill Tribute Appeal which aims to raise £150,000 to commission and install a statue of Hill outside the main entrance to the Ricoh Arena.The plan has already received the backing of Coventry City, the Ricoh Arena and Arena Coventry Limited and The Professional Footballers’ Association has been in contact to indicate its support.The statue will be sculptured by the world famous artist Nicholas Dimbleby.Fundraising has now begun with a deadline of Saturday, July 31- the same day as the Sky Blues take on West Bromwich Albion in a friendly at the Ricoh Arena.Elliott said: “What Jimmy Hill achieved for both Coventry City and the game of football cannot be overstated.“Jimmy is a man held in extremely high esteem by supporters, and he is a man of the people, so it is a fitting tribute that a statue to celebrate his achievements should be commissioned by the fans.“It only seems like yesterday that Jimmy was leading a chorus of the Sky Blues song on the pitch before the last game at Highfield Road and the first game at the Ricoh Arena.“Jimmy was responsible, not only for shaping Coventry City into the club it is today on and off the pitch, but also changing the face of football.“This statue would be a fitting tribute to a great man and one of the most important figures in the history of Coventry City so I am appealing for everyone to support this project.”The former Fulham player was responsible for the biggest transformation in Coventry City’s history when he changed the colour of the strip to Sky Blue and guided the club to promotion from the old Third Division before taking it to the top flight for the first time in its history during the 1966/67 season.Hill is one of the most innovative figures the sport has ever seen with his career taking in almost every role in the game from player, union leader, coach, manager, match official, director and chairman to television executive, presenter and analyst.His lasting impact on the game is still evident today having been credited with the introduction of the three points for a win system, scrapping the maximum wage for players and commissioning the first all-seater stadium during his time at Coventry City.The Jimmy Hill Tribute Appeal is being supported by Coventry Building Society and anyone wishing to make a donation to the appeal can do so at any of the company’s branches.Any donation will be gratefully received but for those wishing to contribute more there are special incentives available.A donation of £5,000 will see the contributor’s name inscribed on the statue plinth, while for a maximum of six people, a £12,000 contribution will see an inscription on the plinth plus a miniature bronze statue issued to the donator.Those wishing to donate £12,000 or more will also have the chance to meet Jimmy Hill, subject to health, during a special lunch at the game on Saturday, July 31.Donations are accepted by cash or cheque at any Coventry Building Society Branch and by cheques made out to the Jimmy Hill Tribute Appeal and posted to Godiva House, Binley Business Park, Coventry. CV3 2TQ.Online bank transfers can also be made to the Jimmy Hill Tribute Appeal using account number 44715278 and sort code 40-63-01.ENDSNotes to editors:PHOTO CALL: Wednesday, June 16 – 2pm. Ricoh Arena main entrance, Phoenix Way, Foleshill, Coventry. CV6 6GE.

If you would like to attend or for more information please contact:

Simon Gilbert

Advent Communications

T: 02476 633636

M: 0773 9962193

E: sgilbert@advent-communications.co.uk

Or Joe ElliottCoventry City

M: 07860 555515

E: Joe.elliott@ccfc.co.uk