Jimmy Hill: Club opens books of condolence

Jimmy HillRex Features
Jimmy Hill became Coventry City manager in 1961, setting them on their way from the Third Division to the First Division

Coventry City Football Club has opened two books of condolence in memory of former player and TV host Jimmy Hill.

The books are at the reception of the club's home ground, the Ricoh Arena, and ticket office at Butts Park Arena.

Mr Hill, who was a former manager and chairman of the Sky Blues, died on Friday, aged 87. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2008.

Ricoh managing director Andy Gibb said both books would be presented to Mr Hill's family at a later date.

He said tributes and flowers had been left at Mr Hill's statue outside the Ricoh.

He added: "Jimmy Hill touched a lot of people's lives. Whether it was through Match of the Day, Coventry City or being a professional footballer, he touched a lot of lives."

Jimmy Hill

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Jimmy Hill scored five goals for Fulham in an away match against Doncaster Rovers and helped the Cottagers gain promotion to the top-flight in 1959
  • Born in Balham, London, on 22 July 1928
  • Played as a forward for Brentford and Fulham
  • As chairman of Professional Footballers' Association led the campaign to abolish the maximum wage, which was scrapped in January 1961
  • Became Coventry City manager, leading the club to two promotions before leaving for broadcast work with ITV in 1967
  • Presented Match of the Day for 16 years from 1973
  • Returned to Coventry as managing director in 1975, later becoming chairman
  • Made Highfield Road the first all-seater football stadium in the UK
  • Credited with introducing three points for a win instead of two

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