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Saturday, 19 December 2015

Jimmy Hill 1928 -2015

James William Thomas Hill, one of English football's most influential figures, has died aged 87.

As chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association, he led the campaign for the scrapping of maximum wages for professional footballers.

The former Match of the Day presenter made more than 600 appearances on the programme. His other numerous roles in football included player, manager, chairman and analyst.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2008.

In a statement, his agent, Jane Morgan, said: "It is with great sadness that his wife 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."

Lord 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."

Barbara Slater, BBC Director of Sport added: "Jimmy Hill was an iconic and unique figure and we are all deeply saddened by the news.

"He was one of the great innovators and a huge talent, a man ahead of his time with a personality that dominated his era both in football and broadcasting.

"Jimmy was also a dear friend and colleague to many at the BBC and will be greatly missed."

Some of the other ideas Hill helped make a reality included establishing a player's right to freedom of movement at the end of his contract and the introduction of three points for a win.

He also commissioned the first English all-seater stadium, lifted a ban on media interviews, introduced the first electronic scoreboard in 1964 and the first colour match-day programme.

The former Brentford and Fulham forward was appointed Coventry manager in November 1961, leading the Sky Blues to the Division Three and Division Two titles.

There is a statue of Hill at Coventry's Ricoh Arena where he was also chairman - a role he also had at Fulham and Charlton.

He became a broadcaster and head of sport for ITV in 1967, before moving to the BBC six years later where he became presenter of Match of the Day until he handed over the reins to Des Lynam in 1989.

#RIP

Saturday, 10 November 2012

FIFPro Against Separate Union

The head of a world players' union says it makes no sense to set up a separate union for black players.

The Society of Black Lawyers has said that talks to found a new union for black players are under way.

But Theo van Seggelen, secretary general of FIFPro, said: "We respect the player in the English third division, as much as the player from China or from Congo.

"It doesn't make sense to have unions for black players."

England's Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) is a FIFPro member, with the union representing around 60,000 players worldwide through national affiliates.

Van Seggelen says FIFPro would not be able to exist if black players formed their own unions.

He said: "If you have to protect the rights of 60,000 professional players, you cannot make a difference between a black player or a white player, or a Muslim or a Catholic, or a rich player or a poor player.

"We can only represent the players worldwide when everyone accepts that every player is equal. I am 100% against it.

"Our philosophy is equal rights for players and on a global level that is not easy."

PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle said last month: "A new body has the potential to be divisive because when you establish a black players' union it would instantly define 'us and them' and that's something we really need to work against.

"We don't need to separate the players when the whole focus and goal of anti-racism is to campaign for unity."

Sunday, 7 October 2012

Terry Ban Not Enough - PFA

PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle says John Terry's four-match ban undermines the Football Association's strong stance on tackling racism.

Liverpool's Luis Suarez was given an eight-match ban last season for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

"The Luis Suarez ban sent out a strong message that racism isn't tolerated in the game," Carlisle, 32, said.

"Diluting that with this four-match ban almost undermines the initial message."

Chelsea defender Terry was given the ban on 27 September after an independent FA regulatory commission found that his words towards QPR defender Ferdinand during a Premier League game in October last year were used as an insult.

Terry has until 18 October to appeal against his suspension and £220,000 fine.

Carlisle wants a rehabilitation programme to be imposed in addition to any suspension for a racism offence and the York City defender says Terry should contribute to such a campaign if he does not contest his ban.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek programme, Carlisle added: "If part of their integration is actively partaking in the anti-discrimination campaigns, in the seminars that go on, not only will they benefit from the information that's shown in these seminars, but also it shows that they do show some remorse for their actions.

"It is also a willingness to contribute to the campaigns moving forward so that other people are aware of the message that's being sent out.

"If he doesn't contest this decision and an appeal isn't forthcoming it would do John Terry's image a lot of good if he was seen to be contributing to these sort of campaigns.

"It would also further affirm the message that this is something that we stand for in football."