Met him at Sheffield United just after the famous announcement - he had a massive input into it, for which I cannot forgive. RIP.
If that was in the car park at Brammall Lane, I was there too. Thought he handled himself superbly whilst the other Directors scurried into the stadium.
Jimmy knew his football all right. He helped bring in John Pearson and Mark Read, possibly two of the most important signings in our history who were instrumental in getting us back into the top flight for the first time in 29 years. As an aside, I had a dream last night that he had passed away, very spooky! RIP Jimmy.
RIP ... a renaissance man, a major innovator who changed the whole English football set up. He'll be remembered for FAR more than his brief sojourn with CAFC
His support of Charlton moving would have been with good intentions. Different days, crowds of 5000, no TV money. He got that one wrong which he no doubt realised over time.
A very capable and intelligent fella - thank you for bringing in the 3 point rule change, Jimmy.....such a small thing made such a difference to the entertainment value of the game, which led to the scrapping of the back pass etc. that ended up making the average fan's experience much richer.
Was surprised to learn that he had joined the club as a Director in 1984-85, but, given the turmoil of the Hulyer years + the reformation of the club in 1984 it seemed terribly re-assuring at the time. Not sure how much he was to blame for the move to Palace. After all, there were other people on the Board and they could, presumably, have out voted him had he been the sole advocate. Still, under his Chairmanship we got back to the top flight! Who remembers too that his son, Jamie Hill, was a squad player at Charlton in 1985-86, reserves only?
Was surprised to learn that he had joined the club as a Director in 1984-85, but, given the turmoil of the Hulyer years + the reformation of the club in 1984 it seemed terribly re-assuring at the time. Not sure how much he was to blame for the move to Palace. After all, there were other people on the Board and they could, presumably, have out voted him had he been the sole advocate. Still, under his Chairmanship we got back to the top flight! Who remembers too that his son, Jamie Hill, was a squad player at Charlton in 1985-86, reserves only?
I remember Jamie Hill. He got a couple of goals for the reserves and made a good fifty v The Lords Taverners for Charlton at Canterbury (and Alan Curbishley got Mike Denness caught at slip by Derek Ufton).
Ps...wasn't Jimmy Hill instrumental in founding The Junior Reds?
Watched the tribute programme and never realised what a pioneer Jimmy Hill was a real Football man and an innovator. Nobody had a bad word for him even those he fell out with from time to time. Great programme about a truly terrific Football man.
Watched the tribute programme and never realised what a pioneer Jimmy Hill was a real Football man and an innovator. Nobody had a bad word for him even those he fell out with from time to time. Great programme about a truly terrific Football man.
Yes, an extraordinary man
And I agree with the idea that pundits should be loved or hated, there's nothing worse than 3 pundits all saying the same thing, being reasonable to both sides
He took my home city Coventry up three leagues as manager before leaving to go to BBC. Bit before my time.
I'm pretty sure after hillsborough he championed all seater grounds and Highfield road was one of the first if not the first. I can see why, Wikipedia says he was there covering for BBC. Previously I had always blamed him for the lack of safe standing in the uk but I guess if you were there you would do anything, anything at all to try and make sure it didn't happen again.
Comments
RIP Jimmy.
Integral part of my upbringing.
God bless and RIP
RIP Jimmy
RIP
Ps...wasn't Jimmy Hill instrumental in founding The Junior Reds?
And I agree with the idea that pundits should be loved or hated, there's nothing worse than 3 pundits all saying the same thing, being reasonable to both sides
I'm pretty sure after hillsborough he championed all seater grounds and Highfield road was one of the first if not the first. I can see why, Wikipedia says he was there covering for BBC. Previously I had always blamed him for the lack of safe standing in the uk but I guess if you were there you would do anything, anything at all to try and make sure it didn't happen again.