Paul Hayes

Norwich City

Hayes started his footballing career as a schoolboy with Norwich City, whom he joined as a 13-year-old. Hayes' first involvement with the first team came in pre-season prior to Norwich's 2001–02 First Division campaign, in which he scored in friendlies against Wroxham, Colchester United and Premier League club Arsenal. He was an unused substitute during the final two matches of the regular season. He failed to feature during Norwich's unsuccessful play-off campaign. Hayes failed to feature at all during the early months of the 2002–03 season and became frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities, with forwards Iwan Roberts, Paul McVeigh, David Nielsen, Alex Notman, Zema Abbey and Ian Henderson ahead of him in the pecking order. He spent periods on trial at Third Division clubs Torquay United and Scunthorpe United and had his Norwich academy contract cancelled on 3 December 2002.

Scunthorpe United

Hayes signed a youth contract with Third Division club Scunthorpe United in December 2002. He scored his first goal for the club on his second appearance, with Scunthorpe's fourth goal in a 4–1 win over Southend United on 25 January 2003. On 19 March 2003, Hayes signed a professional contract with Scunthorpe. He scored eight goals in 20 games during the 2002–03 season, though the campaign ended with a play-off semi-final defeat to Lincoln City. Hayes became a regular starter the following season, making 45 appearances and scoring seven goals as…

Hayes served Southern Counties East League Premier Division club Chatham Town as sporting director between 2020 and 2022. On 1 May 2022, Hayes was appointed director of football at Isthmian League Premier Division club Bowers & Pitsea. He departed the role in January 2023. On 2 June 2023, Hayes was appointed manager of newly promoted Eastern Counties First Division South club Dunmow Town. Following defeat in the First Division South play-off final, Hayes departed the club at the end of the 2023–24 season. On 3 June 2024, Hayes was announced as manager of Eastern Counties First Division South club Burnham Ramblers. He presided over two mid-table finishes before joining Isthmian League Premier Division club Stanway Rovers as assistant manager in June 2026.

As of match played 11 April 2026

Born in Dagenham, Hayes grew up in East London and went to Barclay Junior School in Leyton, where he captained the school football team from the age of seven. He later attended Norlington School for Boys and The Bromfords School in Wickford, Essex. His older brother, Martin, is a football manager and former player and his son Noah was a member of the Charlton Athletic Academy. After retiring from football, Hayes began a career as an agent and launched Aspiro Lifestyle Management.