Jimmy Hill dies at 87
Credited with a number of footballing innovations, Jimmy Hill has died aged 87.
Jimmy Hill, one of the most influential men in English football, has died at the age of 87.
The former Brentford and Fulham forward led a successful campaign for the scrapping of maximum wages for professional players during his time as chairman of the Professional Footballers' association - one of a number of innovations he contributed during a life dedicated to the sport.
After hanging up his boots, Hill went on to manage Coventry City, as well as serving as chairman at the Sky Blues, Fulham and Charlton Athletic.
Hill also commissioned England's first all-seater stadium (Highfield Road), lifted a ban on media interviews, introduced the first electronic scoreboard and colour matchday programme, and is credited with the introduction of three points for a win.
A long career in the media followed, presenting the BBC's Match of the Day and giving his name to Jimmy Hill's Sunday Supplement on Sky Sports after spending six years as ITV's head of sport in the late 1960s.
Hill was honoured with an OBE and is the subject of a statue outside Coventry's Ricoh Arena.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
‘We were in Amsterdam, so I faked a toothache to go and see Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final. I couldn’t make the replay, though – the Stones worked it out’: Rolling Stones guitarist Bill Wyman feigned injury to watch 3-3 draw with Manchester United
‘Home truths needed to be spoken at Manchester United and Ruben Amorim has been brave enough to do that – the way he’s dealt with Marcus Rashford has been correct’ Former Red Devils star praises new boss