The Sky Blues football family has sprung into action with ‘get well’ messages from players and managers past and present to help a young fan on the road to recovery following major surgery

A young Sky Blues fan has been sent hundreds of ‘get well’ messages, including personal video clips from Coventry City manager Mark Robins and a number of players to lift his spirits.

Loyal home and away supporter John Giles, aged 20, has undergone major surgery and is recovering in Coventry Wawickshire’s University Hospital at Walsgrave where he’s not allowed any visitors because of the risk of infection from the coronavirus.

His mum Anne Gaffney, aged 47, posted a picture of her lad on Facebook with the following message: “My boy is struggling in hospital today.

“He’s had major surgery and is having a few setbacks. His morale is low today, not being able to visit to lift morale is making it even harder for him.

“Need to lift his spirits so if anyone knows a Coventry City player who would send a message of support to him please PM me help lift my boy’s spirits. Johb is a loyal supporter.”

The Sky Blues football family immediately sprang into action with hundreds of well wishes for carpenter Johb from Willenhall Wood, Coventry, from friends and fellow City supporters, as well as manager Mark Robins and players Fankaty Dabo and Kyle McFadzean who all posted special video messages.

Star striker Matty Godden has also sent his best wishes, as have a number of ex-Sky Blues players with former skipper Carl Baker sending a video clip along with FA Cup legend Micky Gynn and former strikers Dele Adebola and Gary McSheffrey, who sent written messages.

Mark Robins’s video message said: “Hi Johb, Mark Robins here. I have heard you have had an operation and you’re stuck in hospital without any visitors because of the coronavirus outbreak.

“I hope you’re feeling well and I hope that the videos that are coming through are helping you feel a little bit better ad keeping your spirits up, and hopefully you’ll be back watching your Sky Blues soon.”

City right-back Fankaty Dabo said: “Hi, Fankaty here. I hear that you’re in hospital and you’re not allowed any visitors due to the corona pandemic that’s going on.

“I just hope that this message helps lift your morale and that you can have a quick and speedy recovery, and that we can have you back at St Andrew’s cheering us on soon. Top man, cheers.”

Kyle McFadzean said: “Hi Johb, Kyle McFadzean here mate. I heard you’re a big Coventry fan and that you’ve had surgery this week. Keep fighting mate, keep strong. We’re all behind you and hope to see you soon. Cheers, Kyle.”

Carl Baker’s message said: “Hi Carl Baker here, sorry to hear you are going through such a difficult time, especially with everything else that’s going on.

“Just try and stay positive. Hopefully you will be out soon, healing and back fit and well.

“If you do need cheering up just have a look at the League One table. I am sure that will bring a smile to your face.

“Take care, god bless and be safe, especially at this time.”

Dele Adebola said: “Get well soon, hoping you have a speedy recovery. Looking through your messages you’ve got massive support from your friends and family!”

And Wembley hero from 1987, Micky Gynn said: “Hi Anne, sorry to hear your son is having some health problems and finding it a struggle.

“Tell your son to keep going and be positive about everything. Being an ex Coventry player there was lots of ups and downs and it will get better, secret is stay positive always.

“Stay strong lad, Micky Gynn 1987 FA Cup Winnner.”

And even FA Cup winning mananger John Sillett has sent a Facebook message via his wife Jean, saying: “My husband John sends his best wishes for a speedy recovery.”

City’s star striker Matty Godden also posted a message on Twitter, saying: “Get well soon mate.”

Former star striker Gary McSheffrey, meanwhile, also sent a message via Facebook saying: “I’d just like to wish Johb a speedy recovery after his surgery.

“He needs to be patient and rest up, the most important thing is he recovers well. I know it’s a lonely place when you are isolated from friends and family during rehabilitation but it’s for the best in the bigger picture.

“There is no rush especially in our current situation. Hopefully when he is feeling better the season will restart and he can see Coventry get that promotion they deserve.

“Stay strong mate, good luck with your recovery and get well soon.

“I will keep an eye on your progress. Gary”