John Sillett Death: John Sillett, 85-year-old, an English football player and manager, who played for Chelsea, Coventry City, and Plymouth Argyle passed away. On Tuesday, November 30, 2021, Jules Little posted the news of his demise on Facebook saying “one of the men that took Coventry City FC to their finest hour in 1987. A true Sky Blue legend. RIP John Sillett.” John won the Championship with Chelsea in 1955, playing alongside his brother Peter Sillett.
He was born in Southampton, Hampshire, on July 20, 1936. His father, Charlie Sillett, was a footballer, playing for Southampton between 1931 and 1938. He is the younger brother of Peter Sillett, also a footballer. He returned to Hereford as a manager in 1991 but left at the end of his first full season. This was his last major involvement with football, although he did some scouting work for the England national team under Sven-Göran Eriksson. He also worked on Central TV’s weekly football coverage.
Both John and his brother Peter Sillett followed their father in signing for Southampton. John never played for the first team, they later moved on to Chelsea as teenagers, where John won the First Division title in 1954–55. He played over 100 games for Chelsea, scoring once. He left Chelsea and joined Coventry City in June 1962, which was at the time being managed by Jimmy Hill. From 1963 to 1964 he helped Coventry to win the Third Division title. But his playing days were limited after suffering a back problem. In July 1966, he joined Plymouth Argyle, where he ended his playing career.
Below are some of the Tributes on social media
Steven Fahey “Absolutely Gutted RIP Sir John Sillett #PUSB George will be waiting to give you the warmest welcome & the biggest man hug! For any Sky Blue fan a legend, but more importantly, an absolute gentleman As a teenager he & George gave me the happiest lifelong memories thank you”
Jules Little “One of the men that took Coventry City FC to their finest hour in 1987. A true Sky Blue legend. RIP John Sillett. Reunited with George Curtis & teasing Greavsie already hopefully. “City’s marching on, led by George and John, Sky Blues shooting to win!” In the tunnel at Wembley prior to kick-off, the first time Coventry City had ever reached the final of a major competition, the teams lined up side by side waiting to go onto the pitch. Tottenham Hotspur manager David Pleat turns to Snoz & says “You know that we’ve never lost an FA Cup final?” Sillett replied “Neither have we!” Legend! RIP Snoz. PUSB”
John Sillett RIP. Very sad news. John played for Chelsea, Coventry City and Plymouth Argyle. Coached at Bristol City, managed Hereford United and Coventry, famously winning the FA Cup in 1987. #PUSB legend. Thoughts with John’s family and friends. Statement from John’s family… pic.twitter.com/WdNOr3QENP
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) November 30, 2021