27th September 1968

Plymouth, England

Defender

A highly popular player who enjoyed two spells with Exeter City, at the beginning and the end of his playing career.

He will always be recalled for nutmegging Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo in an FA Cup tie at St James’ Park.

Hiley first came through the Exeter City youth system to earn a full professional contract in August 1986, and making his league debut against Burnley in October 1987. He was a member of Exeter's Fourth Division winning side of 1989-90.

In March 1993 he followed manager Terry Cooper to Birmingham City for a fee of £150,000, where he played 49 league matches.

Transferred to Premiership Manchester City in February 1996, initially on loan, and then for £250,000, injury restricted him to just 9 league outings.

Hiley signed for Southampton in August 1998, where Terry Cooper was working in a scouting role, and spent 16 months there, playing in 32 league games.

He then joined Portsmouth in December 1999 for £200,000, captaining the side and winning the player of the year award in his first full season.

He added a further 75 league matches to his career total, before being given a free transfer and rejoining Exeter City in September 2002.

Unfortunately he could do nothing as the Grecians’ lost their Football League status, but he was a regular member of the team and one of the most consistent players. In 2003, Hiley joined the coaching staff but he continued to play in the first team.

Hiley left the club in February 2006, his contract being terminated by mutual consent.

In August 2006, he was signed by Crawley Town, spending one season with the Conference club. In September 2008, he signed for Tiverton Town.

However, two months later he had moved on to play for Cullompton Rangers. Hiley was living in Clyst St Mary in 2010.

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