David Hillier

Arsenal

Hillier was born in Blackheath, London, attending secondary school at The John Roan, he played schoolboy football for his region before joining Arsenal in January 1984 as an associated schoolboy. He later became a trainee and turned professional in February 1988; Hillier captained the Arsenal side which beat Doncaster Rovers in the 1988 FA Youth Cup final. He progressed to the club's reserve side, winning the Football Combination in 1989–90, before making his first-team debut in a League Cup tie against Chester City on 25 September 1990, because Michael Thomas was injured and Siggi Jonsson was playing for Iceland. His league debut followed quickly at Leeds four days later. Hillier became a frequent player in the Arsenal side in the last months of that season, making 16 appearances (9 from start) in central midfield, as Arsenal won the First Division title with only a single defeat. He performed several exceptional marking jobs, curbing opponents like Jan Mølby, David Platt and Ray Wilkins. The following two seasons Hillier became more of a regular fixture; and made a name for himself as a combative, strong tackling midfielder who would make up for any shortcomings in skill with his workrate. He played in the FA Cup defeat at Wrexham, who were bottom of the Fourth Division in January 1992 when they faced First Division Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup at the Racecourse Ground. Hillier scored his first league goal against Liverpool 20 April 1992 and…

Hillier was appointed manager of Oldland Abbotonians at the start of the 2008–09 season, before moving to Almondsbury UWE in 2010 and was Almondsbury manager until 2013.

After his football career, Hillier worked as a fireman in the Bristol area. He is a co-commentator on Arsenal matches for Arsenal TV, does guest appearances and after dinner speeches, and attends charity events for Arsenal legends. He also supports local football clubs in the Bristol area.