Aston Villa is saddened to hear of the passing of former central defender George Curtis, who has died at the age of 82.
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with George’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Although he was better known as a Coventry City player, later guiding the Sky Blues to FA Cup glory in 1987, Curtis played 58 games for Villa, scoring three goals.
Twenty four of his appearances were during the Third Division championship season of 1971/72, and it was his free-kick which set up Andy Lochhead’s winner in our famous 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in front of 48,110, then a record attendance for the division.
Born in Dover in May 1939, Curtis was a rugged, uncompromising defender who made over 500 league and cup games for Coventry between 1955 and 1969, helping them from the Fourth Division to the top flight.
He joined Villa in December 1969, scoring on his debut in a 1-1 draw at Swindon Town. He was on target twice more by the end of that season but could not prevent relegation to the third tier.
A key member of the Third Division title-winning side two seasons later, his career was effectively and unfortunately ended by a badly broken nose, suffered in a collision with former Villa striker Tony Hateley in a 3-0 win at Notts County in March 1972.
Even then, he delayed an operation and replaced the injured Chris Nicholl in a 1-1 draw at Mansfield the following month, although he was subsequently advised to retire.
Curtis’ greatest achievement as a manager was in 1987, when he and John Sillett led Coventry to their only FA Cup triumph.
Rest in Peace, George.
