Lifelong Coventry City fan Lionel Bird would like to thank Sky Blues supporters after they helped to raise £2000 to buy two headstones.

Willie Stanley, who founded Coventry City as Singers FC in 1883, and George Bowers, one of the founding players of Singers FC, were lying in unmarked graves in London Road cemetery in Coventry.

Lionel, along with Ian Devoy, a descendent of Willie Stanley, have both been fundraising for 18 months to buy headstones for the duo with the help of fans and supporters' groups.

Both Lionel and Ian will be present at a private family ceremony in London Road cemetery on Friday, with descendents travelling from as far a field as France and Somerset to pay respects to their relatives.

Lionel said it would be a fitting tribute to two figures who have played such an important part in Coventry City's history.

"Both Ian and I have worked towards this over the past 18 months and I am delighted that we finally have the headstones in place.

"After the ceremony, we will be travelling to the Ricoh Arena for a small get-together to celebrate the lives of both Willie Stanley and George Bowers."