Ex-footballer turned broadcaster Jimmy Hill dies aged 87

Jimmy Hill has died at the age of 87 Credit: PA

Former football player and Match Of The Day presenter Jimmy Hill has died at the age of 87, after suffering from Alzheimer's disease, his family has confirmed.

The Londoner made his name playing for Fulham in the 1950s before later moving into broadcasting.

Fulham football club said the news of the football legend's death was "terribly sad".

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

The Jimmy Hill statue outside Coventry City's Ricoh Arena Credit: PA

The club tweeted: "Thank you for everything Jimmy, without you none of this would have been possible".

Current Match of the Day host Gary Lineker led tributes to a "football man through and through".

BBC pundit and former England striker Alan Shearer also hailed Hill's contribution to the game.

He said: Footballers and football have so much to thank him for. A man who loved the game."

Jimmy Hill's influence on the game of football has been widely recognised. Credit: PA

Former England goalkeeper David James hailed him as "a legend".

Jimmy Hill enjoyed a second career as a distinguished broadcaster. Credit: PA

Tony Hall, director general of the BBC, said: "For generations of fans Jimmy Hill was an authoritative voice as both a presenter and analyst.

"He was committed to innovation in every aspect of the game, including broadcasting, and always believed supporters came first.

"His influence lives on in the programmes we enjoy today", he added.

Hill will be cremated at a private ceremony and a service for his friends and colleagues will be held in the new year, the family spokeswoman said.