Football world pays tribute to Jimmy Hill

Stars from the world of football and beyond paid tribute to the former footballer and presenter Jimmy Hill who died at the weekend aged 87.

He died after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years.

Writing on Twitter, MoTD presenter Gary Lineker said: “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.”

Former England striker Alan Shearer wrote: “Footballers and football have so much to thank him for. A man who loved the game. RIP #JimmyHill.”

Tributes were also forthcoming from Rio Ferdinand, David Schneider, and football clubs including Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Fulham FC, where Hill spent the majority of his playing career, posted a tribute on their website. It said: “His hard-working style enabled his more skilful colleagues the opportunity to shine.”

Hill’s influence on the game was measured off the field — and not just for his contribution behind the microphone.

After retiring from playing aged 33, Hill went on to become manager of Coventry City, overseeing their promotion to the old First Division.

He changed the club’s colours from blue and white to sky blue, and introduced the first full-colour match programme in English football.

As chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association in 1961, he helped get rid of the maximum wage, paving the way for the multimillion-pound contracts that dominate the top tiers of English football. He is also credited with masterminding the points structure for matches, with three points for a win rather than two.

He joined the BBC in 1973, presenting Match Of The Day where his distinctive appearance and style of delivery won him a new army of fans.

He made more than 600 appearances on the programme as both a presenter and analyst.