COUNTY NEWS: Jimmy Hill’s wife ‘overwhelmed’ by tributes to football legend

Jimmy Hill’s wife has expressed her gratitude for the tributes that have poured in for the football legend from across the globe.
Jimmy and Bryony HillJimmy and Bryony Hill
Jimmy and Bryony Hill

Former footballer and Match of the Day presenter Hill, who lived in Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, died on Saturday (December 19) aged 87.

Speaking to the Mid Sussex Times, Bryony Hill said: “I am overwhelmed with the warmth and love for Jimmy that has literally come from all around the world.

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“It is astonishing, and I haven’t seen the tip of the iceberg for the tributes.

Bryony Hill has thanked those who expressed their sadness at Jimmy's deathBryony Hill has thanked those who expressed their sadness at Jimmy's death
Bryony Hill has thanked those who expressed their sadness at Jimmy's death

“Thank you to everybody who has expressed their sadness at his passing, it has been such a wonderful comfort to me and people who loved him.

“It is extraordinary - like a huge wave of love.”

She added that friends of the couple have been inundated with calls from well-wishers expressing their sympathy.

Hill made his name playing for Fulham in the 1950s and became one of the game’s first television superstars on Match of the Day.

In his later years, he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.

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Stars from the world of football have spoken of his contribution to the sport, while local people have shared their memories of Hill.

Sylvia Howard, who lives in Hassocks, said Hill agreed to open the last fayre held in the village, in 2000.

She said: “As a small gift to him for opening the fayre, we gave him a bottle of Moet Chandon champagne.

“He turned round to me and gave it back saying that as I had done a lot of work towards the fayre, I should have it.

“What a gentleman – he was so thoughtful and kind.”

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