Modern footballers, and fans, have an awful lot to thank Jimmy Hill for.
The former BBC broadcaster and presenter of ‘Match of the Day’ passed away today at the age of 87, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Hill was a rare man who’s influence was not only felt while he was playing, but also in the months and years after he stepped off the pitch.
In his playing career at Fulham he led a crusade against the maximum wage which paved the way for modern transfers as we know it, while if it wasn’t for Jimmy Hill we may never had the three points for a win.
His TV analysis was always engaging and different, and when he took over MOTD in the 1970’s it soon became one of the most watched TV shows in the UK.
His book ‘Striking for Soccer’ was revolutionary in its ideas as he proposed a winter break as well as midweek games to be played under lights.
Sky Sports would also probably not be around today if it wasn’t for Hill proposing that live games be televised at weekends, while one of his most famous developments was of all-seater stadiums which was made famous by his slogan’ you can’t be a hooligan sitting down‘.
His death is a sad day for football:
Terribly sad news just reaching us. Former Fulham player and chairman Jimmy Hill has passed away. pic.twitter.com/IrnRjJIVDo
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 19, 2015
Thank you for everything Jimmy, without you none of this would have been possible. https://t.co/P1poVlw0L2 #RIPJimmy pic.twitter.com/DAxDvjEvlx
— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) December 19, 2015
Deeply saddened to hear that Jimmy Hill has left us. A football man through and through who gave the game so much in so many ways #RIPJimmy
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 19, 2015
Jimmy Hill: RIP Mr Football
Player
Coach
Manager
Director
Chairman
TV Presenter
Pundit
Players' Union Leader
Match Official#BBCFootball— Conor McNamara (@ConorMcNamaraIE) December 19, 2015
The saddest news
Former #MOTD presenter Jimmy Hill has died at the age of 87#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/s3thZ32JsM
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 19, 2015
Sad news about the death of Jimmy Hill. Visionary, innovator, superb broadcaster & a man who changed the lives of footballers.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) December 19, 2015
Player, union leader, manager, director, chairman, TV presenter, executive, pundit & linesman. He did the lot & did it well #JimmyHill
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) December 19, 2015
RIP Jimmy Hill. Player, manager, chairman, union man, linesman, broadcaster, visionary and wonderful company. Thoughts with his family.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) December 19, 2015
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
RIP Jimmy Hill. All round football man.
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 19, 2015
