Three years ago on this day, December 28, it was revealed with much sadness that our member, the renowned striker George Hudson of the Sky Blues, had died that morning at the age of 83. George was many Coventry City fans’ favorite Sky Blue of all time!
George, a seasoned member of the Association and a fully-paid member of the Sky Blue Legends’ “Hall of Fame,” is renowned for his numerous bold and skillful goals throughout his four seasons (1962–1966) with CCFC. Remarkably, ‘the Hud’ scored the lone goal in our season-ending home match against Colchester United in May 1964, sending the Sky Blues from Division Three to Division Two. In his final match for us, a 2-2 draw at Highfield Road against Bristol City, he also scored.
George began his career with Manchester Juniors in May 1955. In December 1957, Blackburn Rovers signed him as an amateur, and by the end of January 1958, he had a professional contract. Despite his meagre four league appearances (and one goal) for Rovers, his skill set drew the attention of Acrington Stanley, who signed him on a free agent in July 1960. He more than paid them back, scoring 36 goals in 49 games with the first team!He was paid £5,000 by Peterborough United to sign him in October 1961, and he went on to have another successful season (38 goals in 65 league games).
Due to this hit rate, Sky Blues manager Jimmy Hill was forced to controversially replace the well-liked Terry Bly (another former Posh striker and subsequently CCFPA member) in April 1962 by paying a club record fee of £22k for George. After leading City to a 5-4 victory over Halifax Town and scoring his first home hat-trick, “Hud” quickly won over the supporters.
Christmas Sky Blues: from left to right Willie Humphries, George Hudson (stripes), George Curtis, JH (on right), and a pair of turkeys are accompanied by Mick Kearns.
George scored five goals in six FA Cup games, eight goals in ten League Cup matches, and 62 goals in 113 league games throughout his Sky Blue career—a fantastic total of 75 goals in 129 appearances!
In March 1966, however, George was traded to Northampton Town for £29.5k (six goals in 20 games). George joined Tranmere Rovers in January 1967, where he maintained his impressive goal scoring strike rate (22 goals in 63 games). In February 1968, he contributed to City’s elimination from the FA Cup! After eventually relocating to non-league Altrincham, he hung up his boots and went on to work in the printing industry in the northwest, where he was employed by the Daily Mirror.
Many admirers will recall ‘the Hud’s’ multiple visits to Coventry for CCFPA events at the Ricoh, including the rescheduled Legends Day in 2018. That day, he was seen on the left with Marc “Sparky” McNulty, the 28-goal Sky Blue scorer for CCFC at the time (who also eventually joined the Association).
Everyone who saw George’s amazing playing abilities and those who met him and heard his frequently witty commentary on the game after he hung up his boots will miss him. Along with obits for all of our FP members who have passed away, Jim Brown, the chairman of the Association and official club historian for the CCFC, wrote a lengthy tribute and appreciation that is available on this website. Please pick “Gone But Not Forgotten” from the list of options under the “Players” tab above.
George was also a hero of Association Life President (and former CCFC Director) Joe Elliott, whose house is graced with a signed shirt George wore on a previous Legends Day (see below).
RIP ‘The Hud’ PUSB
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