Jimmy Hill dead: Fulham footballer-turned-distinguished Match of the Day pundit dies aged 87

Hill made his name playing for Fulham in the 1950s before turning to TV

Jimmy Hill worked on every major international championship from 1966 to 1998 as a commentator or analyst

Jimmy Hill, the former footballer and presenter on the BBC’s Match of the Day, has passed away aged 87.

The distinguished broadcaster was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2008. He died with his wife by his side on Saturday.

In a statement, his agent, Jane Morgan, said: "It is with great sadness that Bryony Hill and the children of Jimmy Hill have announced that Jimmy passed away peacefully today aged 87 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Bryony was beside him."

Hill, from London, played for Brentford and Fulham in the 1950s until his retirement aged 33. He later managed Coventry City and was appointed head of sport for ITV in 1967, eventually joining the BBC in 1973.

Tony Hall, the director general of the BBC, paid tribute to his “authoritative voice” as both a presenter and an 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."

Jimmy Hill led a campaign to get rid of the maximum wage a professional footballer could be paid and helped bring about a player’s right to freedom at the end of their contract.

He is survived by his wife Bryony and his five children.

Additional reporting by agencies