The former Match of the Day presenter and footballer Jimmy Hill has died at the age of 87. He had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for a number of years.
His agent, Jane Morgan, announced his death on Saturday. Hill's wife, Bryony, was at her husband's side at the time of his passing.
The Londoner played for Brentford and Fulham in the 1950s and he later guided Coventry City to the top flight as manager.
Hill's media career began when he was appointed Head of Sport at London Weekend Television in 1967. He became presenter of BBC's Match of the Day in 1973 and went on to make 600 appearances during his iconic 25-year association with the programme.
Away from the cameras, he was viewed as one of the pioneering figures in football history. As chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association, he was involved in the abolition of the £20 maximum wage in 1961. He is also credited with devising the current points structure, with three points for a win rather than two.
He joined Sky Sports in 1999, presenting a number of programmes including Jimmy Hill's Sunday Supplement.
Hill was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2008 but kept his illness private for five years.
He will be cremated at a private ceremony, and a service for friends and former colleagues will take place in the New Year.
Paying tribute, Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker described him as "a football man through and through who gave the game so much in so many ways".
Sad news, Jimmy Hill has passed away.Shared an office with Jimmy for 7years when he did the Jimmy Hill Sunday Supplement at Sky a true gent
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) December 19, 2015
Jimmy Hill at Fulham circa 1952. He played at inside right
Hill's former Match of the Day colleague John Motson hailed him as an "innovator, instigator & inspiration".
Sad news about Jimmy Hill. A wonderful, clever man who always tried to think differently. Such a contribution to football and to television
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) December 19, 2015
