John Hills

John David Hills (born 21 April 1978) is an English former footballer. He is assistant manager of Bamber Bridge. Playing career Early career – From Blackpool to Everton and back to Blackpool Hills started in the youth team at hometown club Blackpool. He was signed by Everton manager Joe Royle for £90,000 as a schoolboy from Blackpool in 1995, after he impressed in an FA Youth Cup match playing for the Blackpool youth team against their Everton counterparts. His only full appearance for the Toffees was at home to Chelsea on 11 May 1997. He had two loan spells at Swansea City, making eighteen appearances and scoring once, before returning to his hometown club for £60,000 in 1998, after an initial loan spell. In the 2000–01 season he was an integral part of the promotion team, playing 90 minutes as Blackpool defeated Leyton Orient 4–2 in the Third Division play-off final. He signed a one-year contract extension in April 2001. In the 2001–02 season he scored the Seasiders third goal as they beat Cambridge United 4–1 at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff to win the LDV Vans Trophy.