Joe Hillier

Ernest John Guy Hillier (10 April 1907 – 1979) was a Welsh professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. During his career, he made over 70 appearances in the Football League during spells with Cardiff City, Middlesbrough and Newport County.

Career Born in Eastleigh, Hampshire, Hillier was working as a butcher while playing for local amateur side Bridgend Town when he was offered a trial with Football League side Swansea Town. He was retained by the club as an amateur for the 1926–27 season but never played for the first team. The following year, he signed for Swansea's local rivals Cardiff City. After impressing for the club's reserve side, he made his professional debut in a 2–0 victory over Everton in December 1927.

Hillier went on to make 63 league appearances for Middlesbrough before finishing his professional career with Newport County.

Later life After retiring from football, Hillier retired to the town of Gosport where he became a publican. His son Barrie was also a professional footballer, playing nine league matches for Southampton during the 1957–58 season.