Game mourns the loss of Kennedy and Sillett

ENGLISH football was yesterday mourning the loss of two notable names in the game.

Former Liverpool and Arsenal player Ray Kennedy died at the age of 70, while John Sillett passed away aged 85.

Kennedy, top picture, won three European Cups and five League titles with the Reds, whom he joined from Arsenal in 1974 having done the League and FA Cup double with the Gunners three years earlier.

A personal highlight for Kennedy was his pivotal away goal in the 1981 European Cup semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich.

The Northumberland native was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1984 and a testimonial game between Liverpool and Arsenal was held in 1991. Later that year he sold his medals and 17 England caps to help raise funds for his care.

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge paid tribute to Kennedy, saying: “Ray Kennedy, what a player and a lovely bloke who suffered so much with Parkinson’s disease for most of his life. He will definitely never walk alone. RIP Ray.”

Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson added: “What a great player and such a wonderful teammate. RIP pal.”

Sillett, meanwhile, is best known for steering Coventry to FA Cup glory in 1987. He managed the Sky Blues between 1986 and 1990 and masterminded a memorable 3-2 Wembley final win over Tottenham.

A statement from the Sillett family read: “Dad will be remembered for his FA Cup win, but he also guided Coventry and Hereford to their highest-ever League positions as well as taking Coventry to a League Cup semi-final. He had the ability to galvanise and gel teams – a rare skill.”

Southampton-born Sillett, lower picture, began his career at Chelsea in 1954 and went on to play over 100 games at full-back for them. He later played for Coventry and Plymouth before moving into management at Hereford. He returned to the Bulls for a second spell in 1991 and 1992.