He personally relegated Sunderland AFC in the late seventies despite not kicking a ball by the cunning plan of finishing his game ten minutes later than the Wearsiders. Sunderland lost 2-0 where his team Coventry drew with Bristol City. If Sunderland had've won they'd have stayed up regardless. Proof that he did indeed personally relegate them.
Not as simple as that. He asked for the match to have a delayed KO because of trouble that Coventry fans had getting to the game. It was delayed by 15 minutes. The Sunderland game could have and should have been delayed, or at least the 2nd half should have been. Coventry and Bristol City were drawing 2-2 when the Sunderland game finished. A draw was the only result that would have sent Sunderland down, Both Coventry and Bristol would have sent the other team down instead of Sunderland had they won. Coventry played out the final 15 minutes by playing it across the back (It’s also said that Bristol didn’t attempt to gain the ball off them). It was investigated by the FA, however Jimmy Hill happened to be on the FA board as well and refused to sit out of the investigation.
Aye before the time when every game was televised unfortunately. Would have been hilarious to watch
I was at Highfield Rd that night with my Dad. My old man absolutely spent the last 20 minutes pissing himself laughing.
The last 20 minutes Coventry and Bristol City literally passed the ball amongst themselves and to each other. Tommy Hutchison and Gerry Gow sat in the centre circle chatting for 5 or so minutes whilst play continued. Bristol were also managed by ex Coventry player under Jimmy Hill, Alan Dicks. Hilarious stuff.