Coventry City's ascent in English football was characterized by innovation and a unique connection with its fanbase, a period that former manager Gordon Milne traces back to the influence of Jimmy Hill. The club, which spent 34 years in the top flight after its 1967 promotion, embraced pioneering ideas such as fan transport initiatives, player car ownership for European tours, and early adoption of shirt sponsorship, all-seater stadiums, and electric scoreboards.
Milne, who managed Coventry for nine years starting in 1972, attributes much of this forward-thinking culture to Jimmy Hill. Hill, a former manager and later managing director and chairman of Coventry, is credited with transforming the club from the third tier to the top flight. "He was a clever guy, intelligent enough to see where football was going," Milne recalled of Hill, who famously managed to connect with people by engaging with factory workers.
Hill's tenure saw Coventry reach the top flight before his surprising departure for television. Upon his return in 1975, Milne and his assistant Ron Wylie were managing the team. Milne recounted a moment when Hill, involved in developing football in Saudi Arabia, offered them a substantial salary to find a coach, a sum significantly more than they were earning. "We'll do it," Wylie exclaimed, only for Hill to reveal they were not going anywhere, allaying fears of their departure.
Under Milne, Coventry achieved notable success, including a seventh-place finish in the 1977-78 season. The team was known for its free-scoring style, featuring players like Tommy Hutchison, Mick Ferguson, and Ian Wallace. Milne noted his team's ambition, including a near-successful attempt to sign Trevor Francis in Britain's first million-pound transfer.
Milne's career began at Preston, where he played alongside Tom Finney, whom he described as "the best player I've ever seen." His connection to Liverpool Football Club was forged through his father, who played with Bill Shankly at Preston. Shankly signed Milne in 1960, and Milne was part of successful Liverpool teams that won league titles and the FA Cup in the mid-1960s.
Milne drew parallels between Shankly's impact at Liverpool and Hill's at Coventry. "They were both genuine. Jimmy might throw some daft ideas around but he didn't bulls***," Milne said. He recalled Shankly's motivational tactics, including opening the dressing room doors to the passionate fans before matches to foster a sense of accountability.
Following Shankly's resignation in 1974, Milne was considered a potential replacement. He met with Liverpool chairman John Smith and secretary Peter Robinson, but ultimately did not pursue the role, later regretting not expressing his strong desire for the job and his wish to have Bob Paisley as his assistant. Paisley, who succeeded Shankly, was a key figure at Liverpool, and Milne recognized their effective partnership.
Milne also shared his experience of taking the Coventry manager's job, seeking advice from Shankly. The Liverpool manager famously asked him, "Do they want Milne or do they want Mercer?" after Milne explained Coventry's dual approach with Joe Mercer as general manager. Shankly advised him to take the job if he believed they wanted him.
After his tenure at Coventry, Milne moved to Leicester, where he promoted Alan Smith and Gary Lineker. He later managed Besiktas in Turkey, leading them to three consecutive titles, and had a stint in Japan with Gary Lineker. Reflecting on his nine years at Coventry without relegation, Milne expressed pride in the club's achievement and was pleased to see them return to the Premier League under Frank Lampard, whom he praised for his work.