Jimmy Hill, Former 'Match of the Day' Presenter and PFA Chairman, Dies at Age 87

Former footballer, manager and broadcaster Jimmy Hill died on Saturday at 87, the BBC has reported.

Per the report, 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 aged 87 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Bryony was beside him."

Hill spent his life involved in almost every facet of the sport at one time or another, having played for Brentford and Fulham in a career that spanned from 1949 to 1961 before managing Coventry City for six years.

Hill later appeared on Match of the Day over 600 times, including a stint as presenter, and also became chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association.

Prior to joining Match of the Day, Hill was head of sport at ITV for six years, and following his departure from the BBC in 1999, he presented Jimmy Hill's Sunday Supplement on Sky until 2007 before being diagnosed with Alzheimer's a year later.

Reaction poured in on social media as journalists, fans, pundits and outlets alike expressed their sadness at his passing and celebrated his contribution to the game:

According to the report, the BBC's director general, Tony Hall, 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."