The club endured severe financial trouble during this period but Gill was part of the side that won consecutive promotions in 1987 and 1988 to reach the First Division before suffering a broken leg in 1989.
After working as a coach in the United States, Gill joined Gateshead as assistant manager before taking control of the team in February 2002 following the resignation of Paul Proudlock.
After progressing through the club's youth system, he was handed his professional debut in April 1984 by caretaker-manager Jack Charlton, coming on as a substitute during a match against Swansea City.
He made his full debut a week later, starting a match against Charlton Athletic,[4] however his appearances for the club were limited as he struggled with injuries, including having two discs removed from his back at the age of nineteen.
[3] After a brief loan spell at Hull City, playing one match at the end of the 1983–84 season,[5] he featured in the 1986 squad, helping the club's survival from liquidation during which players were left unpaid for several months.
[7] In April 1989, Gill suffered a broken leg during a match against Southampton but carried on playing, stating "The physio then was Tommy Johnson.
[7] Gill later commented that he struggled for fitness during his time with Cardiff and persistent injuries led to his retirement from playing after leaving the club at the age of 28.
[3] Following his retirement, Gill travelled to the United States to take up a position coaching high school students in San Diego.