Former Sevilla president dies

The third man 
The Andalusian businessman was the club's third, and longest serving, president, though his ties to Sevilla stretched back further than his nine-year tenure between 1986 and 1995. Cuervas had been a director under both his predecessors, José Ramón Cisneros Palacios and Eugenio Montes Cabezas.

Light and dark sides
Cuervas's own presidency saw its light and its dark sides. On the field, his reign coincided with a procession of high-profile internationals through the doors of the Sánchez Pizjuán stadium. Toni Polster, Diego Maradona, Iván Zamorano and Renat Dassaev brought mixed fortunes, the Croatian Davor Šuker more than 60 goals in four seasons.

Signs of progress
More significant, perhaps, was the introduction of coaches of the calibre of Vicente Cantatore, Carlos Bilardo and Luis Aragonés. Under their guidance, Sevilla established themselves among the top flight's leading clubs, qualifying for the UEFA Cup in both 1990 and 1995. Off the field, too, they progressed: the president overseeing their transformation into a plc with the Cuervas family becoming a major shareholder in the business.

Forced to resign
However, the club began to struggle financially and by the summer of 1995 they were unable to secure the necessary bank guarantees. Consequently, they failed to fulfil the Spanish Football League's (LFP) regulatory requirements for the next season and faced automatic relegation to division three. Cuervas was forced to resign, yet Sevilla won a reprieve. With thousands taking to the streets in protest, the club were reinstated in an expanded Primera División.

'One of the best'
According to Sevilla's current president José María del Nido, however, Cuervas's legacy was "one of the best spells" in the club's history. "He brought in the best coaches and some world-class players. He was a real fan and is a great loss to the club and the supporters. We will give him the homage he deserves."