Football legend Jimmy Hill dies aged 87

The former Match of the Day presenter, one of English football's most influential individuals, was first diagnosed with the disease in 2008.

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

Tony Hall, the BBC's director general, 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."

He began his playing career at Brentford before joining Fulham in 1952 where he played almost 300 games and scored more than 50 goals.

After retiring from the game he was appointed Coventry City boss in 1961 and, after six years with the club, embarked upon a 25-year stint as presenter of the BBC's flagship highlights show Match of the Day.

As chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association, Hill led the campaign to scrap maximum wages for professional players.