Coventry v Shrewsbury was 'meant to be' on Steve Ogrizovic farewell, says Sam Ricketts
Sam Ricketts felt it was fate that 'true gent' Steve Ogrizovic's final home match with Coventry City was against former club Shrewsbury Town.
The Ricoh Arena led an emotional farewell to the Sky Blues goalkeeper coach, who announced his retirement, after 35 years of service to City.
'Oggy' joined Coventry from Shrewsbury Town in 1984 after two seasons as a popular Salop goalkeeper. He also played cricket for the county of Shropshire.
Ricketts, who played for Coventry before hanging his boots up in 2016 for a coaching role, said the tribute before and after the 1-1 draw at the Ricoh Arena were fitting.
"It's funny how things just work out sometimes," said Town boss Ricketts, whose side secured mathematical League One safety with a late 1-1 draw.
"Playing against Shrewsbury, 35 years since he left the club to come to Coventry, some things are just meant to be.
"He's been a great player, coach, and bigger than all that he's a great person as well.
"He's a true gentleman, with proper values, not just with football but life in general.
"It was a pleasure to play under him and then to work alongside him as a coach. I said to him at the end that it was a pleasure to be here on his final day.
"Hopefully he has a great retirement, I'm sure he will still be busy doing bits and pieces but he certainly earned the great send off he got."
A crowd of more than 13,000 came to witness Ogrizovic's final home match as a Sky Blues employee, where he was given a guard of honour before kick-off.
The 61-year-old FA Cup winner made 84 appearances in two seasons for Salop in Division Two between 1982 and 1984.
