Kevin Hill (footballer)

Kevin Hill (born 6 March 1976 in Exeter) is a former professional footballer, who is currently employed as the manager of Exmouth Town. He primarily played in midfield, but also featured in defence, up front and as a goalkeeper.

Kevin Hill
Personal information
Date of birth (1976-03-06) 6 March 1976
Place of birth Exeter, England
Position(s) Midfielder
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
–1997 Torrington
1997–2008 Torquay United 417 (52)
2008–2010 Dorchester Town 64 (2)
2010–2013 Tiverton Town 41 (3)
Total 522 (57)
Teams managed
2013– Exmouth Town
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Career

Hill was born in Exeter and was playing for non-league side Torrington, and working in a local supermarket, when Kevin Hodges signed him for Torquay United in August 1997. He made his league debut on 9 August 1997 in a 2–1 defeat away to Macclesfield Town, Macclesfield's first game as a league side after promotion from the Conference.

He quickly became a regular in the side and remained so under a number of different managers. In the 2000–01 season, he was Torquay's leading goalscorer, including a crucial goal in the last game of the season away to Barnet, which saw Barnet relegated to the Conference and Torquay surviving. The circle was turned when he was a regular in the 2003–04 promotion winning side under Leroy Rosenior. In February 2006 he played his 400th game for Torquay against Bury in a 0–0 draw.[1]

Hill was awarded a testimonial in 2007, culminating in a match with local rivals Plymouth Argyle at Plainmoor and his loyalty to the club led to him being sent a letter by FIFA president Sepp Blatter. He struggled to establish himself under new manager Paul Buckle and in February 2008 was linked with a loan move to Dorchester Town,[2] but chose to stay with Torquay.

On 5 May 2008, Hill made his record equalling 473rd appearance for Torquay United in a play-off semi final defeat (1–4 on the day 3–5 on aggregate) at home to local rivals Exeter City. He marked the occasion by scoring Torquay's goal. He beat the appearance record, previously held by Dennis Lewis, on 10 May 2008 by coming on as a late substitute for Tim Sills in the FA Trophy final between Torquay and Ebbsfleet United,[3] a game which Ebbsfleet won 1–0, thanks to a goal from former Torquay forward Chris McPhee.

On 17 June 2008, Hill signed for Conference South side Dorchester Town, on a two-year deal.[4]

On 8 September 2010, it was confirmed Hill signed for Tiverton Town who beat interest from Weymouth to land the 34-year-old midfielder.[5] On 27 July 2013 Hill signed for Exmouth as player/coach.

All time playing career
SeasonTeamDivisionLeague AppsLeague GoalsCup*AppsCup Goals
1997-98 Torquay United337790
1998-99 Torquay United335560
1999-2000 Torquay United343282
2000-01 Torquay United344941
2001-02 Torquay United344341
2002-03 Torquay United339430
2003-04 Torquay United345520
2004-05 Torquay United239520
2005-06 Torquay United342970
2006-07 Torquay United336160
2007-08 Torquay UnitedConference National13261
  • Includes Play-Off Matches

References
  1. "Hill targets new Torquay record". BBC Sport. 23 February 2006. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
  2. "Hill set for Dorchester loan move". BBC Sport. 5 February 2008. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
  3. "Hill's bitter sweet Wembley day". BBC Sport. 12 May 2008. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
  4. "Torquay legend Hill leaves Gulls". BBC Sport. 18 June 2008. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
  5. "Hill turns down Terras". Dorset Echo. 8 September 2010. Retrieved 8 September 2010.
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