Neil Illman, who had started at Middlesbrough, had a brief spell with Exeter City during the late-1990s after signing from Plymouth Argyle. He later returned to the Doncaster area and played for a succession of non-league clubs.

Joining Middlesbrough as a trainee in 1991, Neil Illman moved up to the professional ranks in March 1993 but was to only make one substitute league outing for Boro’. Moving to Eastwood Town he became a prolific scorer and, after attracting the attention of Plymouth Argyle, Neil moved to Home Park in March 1996 where he was to feature in 31 league matches scoring four goals.

After a loan spell with Cambridge United, the now 22-year-old Neil arrived at Exeter City on a free transfer in December 1997. Appearing first as a substitute in the home win over Rochdale on 20 December 1997 he was to feature in eight league games for the Grecians scoring twice against Cardiff City and Doncaster Rovers (his home town club). He also scored against Bristol Rovers in the Football League Trophy ahead of being released following a final appearance against Leyton Orient on 31 January 1998.

By March 1998 Neil was playing Conference football for Northwich Victoria followed by spells at Doncaster Rovers (loan), Frickley Athletic (loan), Barrow, Stevenage Borough and Northwich Victoria again. During 2002/03 alone, Neil turned out for Eastwood Town, Evesham United and Stratford Town before playing for Askern Welfare close to his home in Doncaster.