Hails was studying for a maths degree and playing part-time at Hemel Hempstead Town, before being offered a trial at Fulham.
[1] Part of the deal that took Hails to Fulham was that he could stay on and finish his degree.
[1] Hails made 126 appearances in all competitions scoring 13 goals,[2] being voted as the "Player of the Season" by Fulham fans during his spell with the London club.
[1] Peter Taylor signed Hails for Southend United in early December 1994.
[2] Hails was moved into the right-back position in September 1997, when Alvin Martin took control as the manager.