Club Legends (19 Viewers)

[Sky_Blue_Dreamer]

People setting the bar way too high here. Legends are any player who becomes part of the fan folk memory for me. Doyle and Konic definitely, Ndlovu, Huckerby, Whelan too. All the players the old fellas talk about like Hutch, Curtis, etc. Keane, Dublin, even Richard Shaw. It’s not about how good a player they were or what we won while they were here, for me it’s just did they leave a lasting impact on the club folk history. As much as Kasta is a meme, we aren’t going to be talking about him in ten years. O’Hare we might though.

Julian Gray

 

---

[shmmeee]

Julian Gray

100% a sky blue legend. Longest serving member of the squad.

 

[blunted]

There are legends and there are uber legends like Jimmy Hill. A man who created the Sky Blues and irrevocably changed football for good or ill. He helped to abolish the maximum wage, introduced three points for a win and I think, (but not sure), had a hand in increasing the number of clubs promoted or relegated. He changed the city kit from dark blue and white to sky blue and wrote the sky blue song. There was sky blue radio, the first time modern hits were played at matches and the sky blue express special, trains chartered to take fans to away matches. He introduced half-time and pre-match entertainment that was not a brass band and set up the first televised away match in the country to another football ground. He won two promotions playing brilliant attacking football and made Coventry the best supported club in the Midlands with an average gate of 37K in the end. 20k turned up for some reserve games. Nearly 52k turned up at Highfield Road when we played Wolves, and even more for the Sunderland FA Cup match when a gate was broken down. He bought the highest priced goalkeeper in the world and would have bought the first million pound player if Forest hadn’t gazumped us for Trevor Francis. He was the first to try to get sponsors names on shirts and give the club extra revenue. When Jimmy Hill was manager, everything about the club was on an upward trajectory.

It was not all success, but if you are a major innovator sometimes things go wrong usually because they are ahead of their times. The all-seater stadium (to combat hooliganism and attract families) and the ill-advised investment in the American soccer league were too early in the game.

He single-handedly created the modern TV football viewing experience and remained the voice of football for many years during his long and illustrious career. He always big upped Coventry unlike some other so called legends.

There is a reason his statue is outside the Coventry Stadium and it is not to annoy Sunderland.

 

[blunted]

If you read the history books, Coventry have had many illustrious players who missed the legend status as they either played too long ago, Clarrie Bourton, didn’t stay long enough or had a legendary moment. Carr and Hunts special goal and the George Hudson goal arguably the best ever in a sky blue shirt spring to mind. Gallacher and the man he once destroyed in a League Cup semi-final, Stuart Pearce were special players as was Dion Dublin (more of him later) and Gary Mac. There are two players who are undeniably (to my mind) true legends, the first being Tommy Hutchison who often pissed all over Liverpool when they were great the first time around. Tom was a bit of a piss-head but still was arguably the most skillful player to pull on a sky blue shirt. I remember my dad seeing Tom at a testimonial when he was over 40 and was the best player on the pitch. I remember him not being played by Scotland until the last match in the World Cup when he came on as a sub. He effortlessly went past the full back crossed and Scotland scored. I can only assume he used to upset people, as he never seemed to get credit outside of Coventry for his brilliance. Selling Tom was a stupid move as proved by his cup final performance for Man City.

My second is George Curtis. After Oggy, he has the highest number of appearances for the City. He was captain for the two promotions in the sixties and shed blood for the team. Despite the bollocks online, he was manager in 1987 when we won the cup. Sillett was second in charge and I believe if George had stayed in charge we would have done better in subsequent years. George never wanted to be the manager and moved upstairs after the final win.

Dublin, great player but raised a finger to his manager, team-mates and fans by refusing to pull on a sky blue shirt for the last time. Ask Leeds fans if they think McCallister is a legend when he left them under similar circumstances. Dublin left for more money and even if his wage was the same, there would have been a golden hello. I think Dublin is the classic example of the emerging mercenary footballer of the time who have no affinity to any one club. My gut feeling is he is indifferent to most of the clubs who helped him in his career. When he is presented as previous Man United and Villa player I always groan and ask where is Cambridge and Coventry. Throughout his successful tv career, at which he is brilliant I can barely ever remember him mention us until recently now we are a little more successful. Contrast this with Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright. Dublin, great player yes, City legend no way.

Oggy, total legend. I do worry he is catching the I don’t know who we are playing bug from Clive Eakin. Dave Bennett, not far behind.

 

[Frostie]

If you read the history books, Coventry have had many illustrious players who missed the legend status as they either played too long ago, Clarrie Bourton, didn’t stay long enough or had a legendary moment. Carr and Hunts special goal and the George Hudson goal arguably the best ever in a sky blue shirt spring to mind. Gallacher and the man he once destroyed in a League Cup semi-final, Stuart Pearce were special players as was Dion Dublin (more of him later) and Gary Mac. There are two players who are undeniably (to my mind) true legends, the first being Tommy Hutchison who often pissed all over Liverpool when they were great the first time around. Tom was a bit of a piss-head but still was arguably the most skillful player to pull on a sky blue shirt. I remember my dad seeing Tom at a testimonial when he was over 40 and was the best player on the pitch. I remember him not being played by Scotland until the last match in the World Cup when he came on as a sub. He effortlessly went past the full back crossed and Scotland scored. I can only assume he used to upset people, as he never seemed to get credit outside of Coventry for his brilliance. Selling Tom was a stupid move as proved by his cup final performance for Man City.

My second is George Curtis. After Oggy, he has the highest number of appearances for the City. He was captain for the two promotions in the sixties and shed blood for the team. Despite the bollocks online, he was manager in 1987 when we won the cup. Sillett was second in charge and I believe if George had stayed in charge we would have done better in subsequent years. George never wanted to be the manager and moved upstairs after the final win.

Dublin, great player but raised a finger to his manager, team-mates and fans by refusing to pull on a sky blue shirt for the last time. Ask Leeds fans if they think McCallister is a legend when he left them under similar circumstances. Dublin left for more money and even if his wage was the same, there would have been a golden hello. I think Dublin is the classic example of the emerging mercenary footballer of the time who have no affinity to any one club. My gut feeling is he is indifferent to most of the clubs who helped him in his career. When he is presented as previous Man United and Villa player I always groan and ask where is Cambridge and Coventry. Throughout his successful tv career, at which he is brilliant I can barely ever remember him mention us until recently now we are a little more successful. Contrast this with Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright. Dublin, great player yes, City legend no way.

Oggy, total legend. I do worry he is catching the I don’t know who we are playing bug from Clive Eakin. Dave Bennett, not far behind.

Have you actually read what Dion says about Cambridge Utd?

 

[SlowerThanPlatt]

If you read the history books, Coventry have had many illustrious players who missed the legend status as they either played too long ago, Clarrie Bourton, didn’t stay long enough or had a legendary moment. Carr and Hunts special goal and the George Hudson goal arguably the best ever in a sky blue shirt spring to mind. Gallacher and the man he once destroyed in a League Cup semi-final, Stuart Pearce were special players as was Dion Dublin (more of him later) and Gary Mac. There are two players who are undeniably (to my mind) true legends, the first being Tommy Hutchison who often pissed all over Liverpool when they were great the first time around. Tom was a bit of a piss-head but still was arguably the most skillful player to pull on a sky blue shirt. I remember my dad seeing Tom at a testimonial when he was over 40 and was the best player on the pitch. I remember him not being played by Scotland until the last match in the World Cup when he came on as a sub. He effortlessly went past the full back crossed and Scotland scored. I can only assume he used to upset people, as he never seemed to get credit outside of Coventry for his brilliance. Selling Tom was a stupid move as proved by his cup final performance for Man City.

My second is George Curtis. After Oggy, he has the highest number of appearances for the City. He was captain for the two promotions in the sixties and shed blood for the team. Despite the bollocks online, he was manager in 1987 when we won the cup. Sillett was second in charge and I believe if George had stayed in charge we would have done better in subsequent years. George never wanted to be the manager and moved upstairs after the final win.

Dublin, great player but raised a finger to his manager, team-mates and fans by refusing to pull on a sky blue shirt for the last time. Ask Leeds fans if they think McCallister is a legend when he left them under similar circumstances. Dublin left for more money and even if his wage was the same, there would have been a golden hello. I think Dublin is the classic example of the emerging mercenary footballer of the time who have no affinity to any one club. My gut feeling is he is indifferent to most of the clubs who helped him in his career. When he is presented as previous Man United and Villa player I always groan and ask where is Cambridge and Coventry. Throughout his successful tv career, at which he is brilliant I can barely ever remember him mention us until recently now we are a little more successful. Contrast this with Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright. Dublin, great player yes, City legend no way.

Oggy, total legend. I do worry he is catching the I don’t know who we are playing bug from Clive Eakin. Dave Bennett, not far behind.

Tbh, I just think we’re off the radar a bit. We’re a club with no strong rivalry and until recently harmless. We’re not best of friends with Bellamy but in his book he said Coventry as a club lacks the intensity of others he’s been at.

 

[Grendel]

If you read the history books, Coventry have had many illustrious players who missed the legend status as they either played too long ago, Clarrie Bourton, didn’t stay long enough or had a legendary moment. Carr and Hunts special goal and the George Hudson goal arguably the best ever in a sky blue shirt spring to mind. Gallacher and the man he once destroyed in a League Cup semi-final, Stuart Pearce were special players as was Dion Dublin (more of him later) and Gary Mac. There are two players who are undeniably (to my mind) true legends, the first being Tommy Hutchison who often pissed all over Liverpool when they were great the first time around. Tom was a bit of a piss-head but still was arguably the most skillful player to pull on a sky blue shirt. I remember my dad seeing Tom at a testimonial when he was over 40 and was the best player on the pitch. I remember him not being played by Scotland until the last match in the World Cup when he came on as a sub. He effortlessly went past the full back crossed and Scotland scored. I can only assume he used to upset people, as he never seemed to get credit outside of Coventry for his brilliance. Selling Tom was a stupid move as proved by his cup final performance for Man City.

My second is George Curtis. After Oggy, he has the highest number of appearances for the City. He was captain for the two promotions in the sixties and shed blood for the team. Despite the bollocks online, he was manager in 1987 when we won the cup. Sillett was second in charge and I believe if George had stayed in charge we would have done better in subsequent years. George never wanted to be the manager and moved upstairs after the final win.

Dublin, great player but raised a finger to his manager, team-mates and fans by refusing to pull on a sky blue shirt for the last time. Ask Leeds fans if they think McCallister is a legend when he left them under similar circumstances. Dublin left for more money and even if his wage was the same, there would have been a golden hello. I think Dublin is the classic example of the emerging mercenary footballer of the time who have no affinity to any one club. My gut feeling is he is indifferent to most of the clubs who helped him in his career. When he is presented as previous Man United and Villa player I always groan and ask where is Cambridge and Coventry. Throughout his successful tv career, at which he is brilliant I can barely ever remember him mention us until recently now we are a little more successful. Contrast this with Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright. Dublin, great player yes, City legend no way.

Oggy, total legend. I do worry he is catching the I don’t know who we are playing bug from Clive Eakin. Dave Bennett, not far behind.

Dublin signed a contract with us when he could have left as a free agent for nothing. He’s the antithesis of a mercenary - I don’t even think he was paid more at Villa

 

[Frostie]

Dublin signed a contract with us when he could have left as a free agent for nothing. He’s the antithesis of a mercenary - I don’t even think he was paid more at Villa

Spot on.
He signed for Villa for same wage as here, turning down more from both Blackburn & Leeds. All after Richardson had touted him around of course.

I wonder what the reaction would have been if he'd signed for Blackburn instead & scored the goals to keep them up at our expense?

 

[blunted]

Spot on.
He signed for Villa for same wage as here, turning down more from both Blackburn & Leeds. All after Richardson had touted him around of course.

I wonder what the reaction would have been if he'd signed for Blackburn instead & scored the goals to keep them up at our expense?

Signing on fees are a big deal even if wages are the same. Leeds sang One greedy bastard to McCallister and we could have done the same to Dublin. I have no problem with players leaving to better themselves or determining who they play for...more money or more chance of trophies. It was the classless the way he did it refusing to play. I was pissed off with him at the time for refusing to play again and thought at the time, he would have been a legend if he stayed. Just my opinion, and even if he has been complimentary on occasion since to us and Cambridge, I still get the feeling he is just going through the motions. If he is one of your legends, fine, just not one of mine.

 

[blunted]

Tbh, I just think we’re off the radar a bit. We’re a club with no strong rivalry and until recently harmless. We’re not best of friends with Bellamy but in his book he said Coventry as a club lacks the intensity of others he’s been at.

Bellamy was very uncomplimentary about us when describing coming to us from Norwich.

 

[Greggs]

Of course Dion Dublin is a Coventry City legend, get over the joining Villa part and revel in the time he spent in our colors. Too long has passed to be holding such grudges.

Nah, I guarantee you ask him about his allegiances to each of the clubs he's played for, we'd be near the bottom 100%. He loves the Villa, Norwich and Man U. We were just a stepping stone he used after injury.

 

[blunted]

Signing on fees are a big deal even if wages are the same. Leeds sang One greedy bastard to McCallister and we could have done the same to Dublin. I have no problem with players leaving to better themselves or determining who they play for...more money or more chance of trophies. It was the classless the way he did it refusing to play. I was pissed off with him at the time for refusing to play again and thought at the time, he would have been a legend if he stayed. Just my opinion, and even if he has been complimentary on occasion since to us and Cambridge, I still get the feeling he is just going through the motions. If he is one of your legends, fine, just not one of mine.

I still have fond memories of McCallister dropping the ball on Dublins head at the near post from a corner, and Dion winning it most of the time.

 

[Grendel]

Signing on fees are a big deal even if wages are the same. Leeds sang One greedy bastard to McCallister and we could have done the same to Dublin. I have no problem with players leaving to better themselves or determining who they play for...more money or more chance of trophies. It was the classless the way he did it refusing to play. I was pissed off with him at the time for refusing to play again and thought at the time, he would have been a legend if he stayed. Just my opinion, and even if he has been complimentary on occasion since to us and Cambridge, I still get the feeling he is just going through the motions. If he is one of your legends, fine, just not one of mine.

Dublin signed a contract rather than leave as a free agent - you see talking nonsense

 

[blunted]

Dublin signed a contract rather than leave as a free agent - you see talking nonsense

Under contract gets a 15% signing on fee = big bucks. Breaking agreed contract, refusing to play not so wonderful.

 

[SkyblueDad]

Regardless of Dublin signing for Villa Bryan Richardson was responsible for Dublin leaving the club Dublin said at the time if I am to leave I’ll pick where I go, can’t blame him for that.

 

[SlowerThanPlatt]

Under contract gets a 15% signing on fee = big bucks. Breaking agreed contract, refusing to play not so wonderful.

So the gripe is now he signed a new contract and benefitted from a signing on fee?

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Signing on fees are a big deal even if wages are the same. Leeds sang One greedy bastard to McCallister and we could have done the same to Dublin. I have no problem with players leaving to better themselves or determining who they play for...more money or more chance of trophies. It was the classless the way he did it refusing to play. I was pissed off with him at the time for refusing to play again and thought at the time, he would have been a legend if he stayed. Just my opinion, and even if he has been complimentary on occasion since to us and Cambridge, I still get the feeling he is just going through the motions. If he is one of your legends, fine, just not one of mine.

He along with Huckerby and Whelan was one of the players who got me hooked on football and CCFC growing up. For those of us born in the early 90s or late 80s Dublin's probably the best forward they've seen live in a City shirt. Definite legend in my book

 

[Grendel]

Under contract gets a 15% signing on fee = big bucks. Breaking agreed contract, refusing to play not so wonderful.

What are you on about - a free agent would have made him far richer

 

[Grendel]

So the gripe is now he signed a new contract and benefitted from a signing on fee?

He’s all over the place

 

[NortonSkyBlue]

Nah, I guarantee you ask him about his allegiances to each of the clubs he's played for, we'd be near the bottom 100%. He loves the Villa, Norwich and Man U. We were just a stepping stone he used after injury.

And? He gave his best years for Coventry City. I don’t give a shit that Huckerby is a Norwich man or Cyrille Regis allegiance was with WBA or that James Collins bleeds Sky Blue, what matters is what their contribution was during their time here and Dion Dublins was immense.
Small minds....

 

[SkyblueDad]

Big Cyrille is the prime example at both clubs about the same length of time infact he played one more game for us than Albion won his only major honour here but he was a West Brom man and they were his club and the older Albion fans see him as a WBA legend, I think we all accept that but he is a legend here too

 

[SkyblueDad]

Big Cyrille is the prime example at both clubs about the same length of time infact he played one more game for us than Albion won his only major honour here but he was a West Brom man and they were his club and the older Albion fans see him as a WBA legend, I think we all accept that but he is a legend here too played for Villa AND scored in a game for them that could have got us relegated still a legend though...or is he ?

 

[wantageskyblue]

Dublin signed a contract with us when he could have left as a free agent for nothing. He’s the antithesis of a mercenary - I don’t even think he was paid more at Villa

Totally agree with you G. I was at Luton the night he refused to play and although a bit annoyed on the night I fully understand his reasons. CCFC were looking to sell him to highest bidder not so long after signing that new contract - for all those bleating on about loyalty it works both ways.

 

[Malaka]

When Dion refused to play for us, it was that the club had gone back on their word. He had a release clause in his contract that had been met by Aston Villa. We refused to allow him to leave, hence he refused to play. I can only imagine that if any of you had an agreement/contract that had been reneged on, most of us would have done the same.
A magnificent player, goalscorer, defender, golden boot winner, saved us from relegation and should have gone to France in the 1998 World Cup. For me a definite legend. No one has come close since

 

[ProfessorbyGrace]

I'd agree with the consensus, regarding the obvious Legendary Sky Blues, however in my All-Star City XI there'd only be room for Roland Nilsson at right back. Being in my early 40's, and watching City at Highfield Road from the late 80's, he's the consummate right back I saw play for us; awareness, positioning, overlapping, technique, pass accuracy and to be honest, his vision was the best I've seen from a full back in Sky Blue. Sheer quality.

 

[wantageskyblue]

I'd agree with the consensus, regarding the obvious Legendary Sky Blues, however in my All-Star City XI there'd only be room for Roland Nilsson at right back. Being in my early 40's, and watching City at Highfield Road from the late 80's, he's the consummate right back I saw play for us; awareness, positioning, overlapping, technique, pass accuracy and to be honest, his vision was the best I've seen from a full back in Sky Blue. Sheer quality.

To be honest I saw him quite a lot in his time with us and it was obvious he was class but In my opinion Brian Borrows and Danny Thomas were bigger legends for us. Roland was undoubtedly a star at Sheffield Wednesday not so sure about with us.... I suppose each of us has our own definition of ‘legend’.

 

[shmmeee]

If you start discounting players because they’re stars elsewhere we’d have Oggy and that’s about it.

 

[speedie87]

Bourton
Hill
Hutchinson
Oggy
Dublin

 

[Danceswithhorses]

There is a reason his statue is outside the Coventry Stadium and it is not to annoy Sunderland.

Although that's a pretty good reason tbf

 

[ProfessorbyGrace]

To be honest I saw him quite a lot in his time with us and it was obvious he was class but In my opinion Brian Borrows and Danny Thomas were bigger legends for us. Roland was undoubtedly a star at Sheffield Wednesday not so sure about with us.... I suppose each of us has our own definition of ‘legend’.

Oh definitely, I loved Bugsy as well, he was Mr Dependable for well over a decade, and I'll never forget those two goals he scored in the 5-1 mauling of Liverpool in '92. Danny Thomas was before my spectating time, so I can't comment on him.
I guess Nilsson falls into the category of a legendary player, rather than a club legend, on reflection. It was just a delight to watch him play, even at 34 when he joined us.

 

[COV]

Does Micky Gynn not get a look in here?

He was with us through the legendary "end of season relegation battles" in the mid 80s, then won the cup with us, and was still playing 20 games in a season in the Premier League a whole decade after joining us. Exciting player too.

And to keep everyone happy he still lives locally & blatantly still loves the club.

 

[ProfessorbyGrace]

I forgot Speedie, how dare I. What a player for us.

 

[Grendel]

Does Micky Gynn not get a look in here?

He was with us through the legendary "end of season relegation battles" in the mid 80s, then won the cup with us, and was still playing 20 games in a season in the Premier League a whole decade after joining us. Exciting player too.

And to keep everyone happy he still lives locally & blatantly still loves the club.

Yes good call

 

[Sky_Blue_Dreamer]

I'd agree with the consensus, regarding the obvious Legendary Sky Blues, however in my All-Star City XI there'd only be room for Roland Nilsson at right back. Being in my early 40's, and watching City at Highfield Road from the late 80's, he's the consummate right back I saw play for us; awareness, positioning, overlapping, technique, pass accuracy and to be honest, his vision was the best I've seen from a full back in Sky Blue. Sheer quality.

I agree, but I always feel bad that I'm not picking Borrows who is probably more deserving in terms of service.

 

[Sky_Blue_Dreamer]

Does Micky Gynn not get a look in here?

He was with us through the legendary "end of season relegation battles" in the mid 80s, then won the cup with us, and was still playing 20 games in a season in the Premier League a whole decade after joining us. Exciting player too.

And to keep everyone happy he still lives locally & blatantly still loves the club.

He's in squad contention but not sure about first XI