Jimmy Hill: The man who changed football

The modern game of football consists of highly paid players, all-seater stadiums and pre and post match punditry.

It's fair to say that these changes can be attributed to Jimmy Hill OBE.

Born in South London, Jimmy spent his early career playing professional football, first at Brentford and then at Fulham, before he retired at the age of 33.

After retiring, Jimmy moved on to management where he took over at Coventry City, and within just six seasons, transformed the club, on and off the pitch - leading the Sky Blue's from the old Third Division to the First Division.

But what exactly did Jimmy change for football:

• Footballer Wages

Jimmy Hill was the Chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association and led the campaign for the scrapping of maximum wages.

At the time, footballers’ salaries were capped at £20 a week.

In 1961, days before a threatened strike, an agreement was made and capped fees were abolished - Jimmy led the campaign.

• The 'Sky Blue Revolution'

In 1961 Jimmy became manager at Coventry City Football Club and during his spell in charge, and later as chairman, he oversaw important changes at the club.

It included an all sky blue kit, 'Sky Blue' radio, a mascot, and pre-match and half-time entertainment.

Former Coventry player Ron Farmer knows just how much he did for the game.

• Footballers as pundits

After leaving Coventry, as they entered top flight football - the first time in the club's history - Jimmy embarked on a media career.

He presented 'The Big Match' on ITV alongside Brian Moore.

During his coverage of the 1970 World Cup, Jimmy introduced panels and pundits - this was quickly embraced and adopted across the world.

Football games without punditry would be unimaginable in today's game.

• Three points for a win, one for a draw

In an attempt to liven up football, the case was made to introduce a new points scoring system for the English Football League.

Prior to 1981, teams received two points for a win and one for a draw.

It was suggested that the introduction of three points for a win would mean more attacking play during games.

It was Jimmy who led the calls for a three-point system to be introduced for a win, in an attempt to liven up football.

It was believed that the introduction of more points for a win, compared to the regular two points before 1981, would create more attacking play.

Only England used this change, until 13 years later when it was used at the 1994 World Cup.

FIFA then went on to adopt the system a year later in 1995.

Perhaps one of the biggest changes Jimmy introduced was for substitutes to be allowed.

As well as this, he also called for more teams to be promoted and relegated, in the hope that it would create more excitement until the end of the season, for more clubs.

He helped commission the first-all-seater stadium, helped introduce electronic score boards and introduced colour match day programmes.

ITV Central will be live at 6pm from Coventry Cathedral for Jimmy Hill's memorial service.