TIVVY ARCHIVE

Few active players in local football are revered so openly as Kevin Hill is, a genuine idol at Torquay United after an eleven-year spell at Plainmoor that saw him break the club’s appearance record in his final game. Ultimately that was a bittersweet moment as Torquay lost the 2008 FA Trophy final at Wembley, but Hill’s place in Gulls’ folklore had already been assured long before he left for Dorchester Town.

As a youngster Kevin played for Exmouth Town and Torrington before making the switch to the professional game with Torquay in 1997, and there he was deployed in just about every outfield position on the pitch, but mainly as a left winger. His remarkable habit of scoring crucial goals saw the Torquay fans quickly warm to him, and on the occasions he has played against his former team since leaving they have always been outwardly appreciative of his earlier efforts in South Devon.

Hilly moved to Tiverton early in the 2010/11 season as Dorchester underwent a series of cuts to the playing budget, and he proved to be a hugely versatile member of the squad, playing various roles in defence and midfield. And with his vast experience and understanding of the game he was an ideal role model for the younger players at the club, if they can just stay awake while listening to his lectures! He left the club at the end of the 2012/13 season, having presided as caretaker-manager for one game.