FORMER FOOTBALLER and BBC broadcaster Jimmy Hill has died aged 87 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
The ex-Fulham and Brentford player was best-known for his role presenting flagship highlights programme Match of the Day, where he made over 600 appearances.
During his time as Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) chairman, Hill led the campaign to end the maximum wage of £20 for players.
After retiring from the game, Hill became manager at Coventry City and won the Division Two and Division Three titles with the Sky Blues before taking over as club chairman.
He would go on to make a name for himself in television broadcasting — first with ITV, then BBC and later Sky Sports — and presented Match of the Day from 1973 to 1989, when Des Lynam took over.
No way, I was always remember the riots in 95 where he called the Irish honest decent people that are not used to dealing with the likes of that. He always came across as a decent guy that loved the game.
He will be no doubt , the thing about that comment about the Irish was that England was hosting euro 96 so he must have been under pressure to lay the blame at someone else’s door bar the English Supporters.
@druid, he was if I’m not mistaken the man who introduced the three points for a win in English football, not sure how many other leagues have adopted it.
He introduced panels to football coverage too. A true legend. I had the pleasure of meeting him at craven cottage years ago. He took 5 mins out of his time to chat to 4 of us about ireland and the irish. He was a gentleman and will be missed. Rip jimmy.
He was known as the rabbi in his football days for obvious reasons
Another correction. He was responsible for getting rid of the £20 a week maximum wage.
I’m informed that Jimmy was of Polish origin so really the proper pronunciation of the name should be hillski. Maybe the the family rented out skis back sometime bc? Har har har, Hic, Oh dear I’ve spilled my Russia all over meself how silly of me
Starting to realize the shortness of life more profoundly.
Jimmy was a staple in our home when growing up and it doesn’t feel that long ago.
Match of the day theme tune playing in my head.
J. Hill…… Legend!!
Broadcasting legend & a great player to boot. RIP.
Him n Bobby Robson, true gentlemen of the game..
People that didn’t know about him will ask “what did he do in football?”. The question is better asked by “what he didn’t do?” which is not much.
R.I.P.
Why would you say RIP Les when you clearly don’t believe in the afterlife?
Mark of respect Tom.
Out of respect for an icon.
Funny, you who does believe in the afterlife couldn’t even extend the same respect.
Respect can be saying he was a great guy which I think he was in as far as I could know him.
This isn’t about Jimmy Hill.
This is about Les challenging me on another thread that I haven’t put forward any evidence for an afterlife. I’m just wondering why he would then say Rest in Peace to a life which is now non existent.
Just asking because I’m interested.
Whether there’s an afterlife or not when you die you are at rest. Cop on
But are you resting in peace?
How can you be at peace when you are nothing?
And nobody can answer the question
“This is about Les challenging me on another thread that I haven’t put forward any evidence for an afterlife.”
No it isn’t, I challenged you on your lack of evidence on the existence of god. I never mentioned the afterlife, that was you actually :-)
This is not the thread this should be discussed on anyway.
What an odd argument
You don’t know the half of it :-)
Only question I have is how come you are such a tool?
Gott ist goot herr Tom
good game good game. rip jimmy
Whats the score? Up four nil. Are you watching Jimmy Hill. RIP
What a character. Good skin.
The Man the Chin the Legend Mr Hill a true gent.
Sad news. RIP to a very genuine and often very funny football man.
Think MotD, you think of Jimmy Hill….. Legend.
His campaign was against wage caps. Not minimum wages. C’mon Journal, a bit of extra proof reading would be in order when someone dies.
Rip ‘the chin’
Really sad news ..jimmy and motd made Saturday night..sleep well jimmy
Legend, RIP. Terrible disease, lets hope they can find a way to at least slow it down soon. A cure would be a god send.
Lynam, Hill, Hansen, the original MOTD dream team. RIP Jimmy
Dancing with the Stars won’t be the same without him RIP.
RIP Jimmy, one of the most influential figures in British football. A sad day.
The voice of Saturdays growing up. Sad.
A real gentleman if ever there was one. Godspeed Jimmy.
RIP Jimmy. Sad to see you go.
RIP Jimmy Hill. Legend.
So sad RIP a legend of my youth
RIP Jimmy although I actually thought he died a few years ago
His memory will live forever in the hearts of all progressive mankind
Rip jimmy…. The modern game of football wouldn’t be the same without him.
I liked Jimmy.
Good innings.Sad day.Good Night and farewell Jimmy.
RIP Jimmy the chin. Grew up with him on MOTD.
Good old chinny.
Is that it?
Farewell Jimmy but John Motson was the best…
Motson is a fool. Generally clueless…..never got the infatuation with him.
Yeah you’re right.
Whatever became of his second in command on match of the day…Jim rosenthal?
Reese Witherspoon in playing him in the new biopic