Source: FOOTYMAD
Jimmy Hill "Chuffed To Bits" About Tribute Appeal
Bryony Hill speaks about statue to her husband According to Bryony Hill, her husband Jimmy is "Chuffed to bits" about having a statue erected outside The Ricoh Arena.Jimmy Hill remains a legend at Coventry City for leading the club from the old fourth division into the top tier of English football. He is also credited with the creation of The Sky Blues as he oversaw the change of kit to the now famous sky blue.Bryony Hill said her husband would be attending the friendly home game against West Bromwich Albion on July 31st and that her husband has strong attachments to the club.Speaking from the family home in Brighton Mrs Hill said to the CT: "Jimmy loved Coventry and the people. It was not just a job, he sincerely felt at home there. He always looks for Coventry's results first, then Fulham, then Brentford.""Jimmy is coming up for the game with his grandson and his grandson's girlfriend. He will be in good hands and among old friends."Last month the club launched a £150,000 appeal for funds to pay for a 7' bronze statue to Hill.Bryony continued: "I think it's a huge honour for Jimmy to be recognised in this way. It's extraordinary. A lot of people do not realise he even played football, they just remember him from the television. He is chuffed to bits, but wonderfully modest about it."The hope is that the statue will be finished in time for the 2012 Olympic games where The Ricoh will be the venue for some games n the early stages of the football.Bryony went on to say, "I would like the statue to represent Jimmy as he is now, an elder statesman. He has one of the most recognisable faces in the country, apart from the Queen!"" He still has a twinkle in his eye, a full head of hair and a good brain. He is a charming man, upright, healthy, strident and opinionated.Bryony then appealed for fans to support the appeal asking for contributions no matter how large or small saying, "Even if it pays for a fingernail, he helped put Coventry City on the map and given it a lot of recognition and pride. To secure his memory would be a fitting memorial."The appeal is set to close after the game against West Brom from which both sides will be donating £1 from every ticket sold.
