In a 16-year-long playing career, Hill was a centre back who represented Blackburn Rovers, Plymouth Argyle, Rochdale, Cheltenham Town, Wrexham and Morecambe.
[citation needed] Following Hill's retirement from playing, he joined former club Rochdale's coaching staff, where he held the position of Director of Youth.
[8] In his first full season as Dale boss, he took Rochdale to the 2008 League Two play-off final, where they lost 3–2 against Stockport County, having defeated Darlington 5–4 on penalties in the semi-final.
[9] The 2008–09 season saw Hill take Rochdale to the 2009 League Two play-off semi final for the second year in a row, but they were beaten 2–1 by Gillingham, the eventual winners.
[11] However, a dip in form near the end of the season saw Rochdale miss out on the League Two title, finishing third behind Notts County and AFC Bournemouth.
[citation needed] Hill was given permission to talk to Championship club Barnsley about their vacant manager's job on 20 May 2011.
"[12] Hill changed his mind at the start of June and was appointed manager of Barnsley, with assistant David Flitcroft joining him.
[15][16] Barnsley avoided relegation by one place in his first season in charge, with results having deteriorated following the sale of striker Ricardo Vaz Tê and long-term injuries to influential midfielders Jacob Butterfield, Jim O'Brien and David Perkins in January.
[30] A 3–0 defeat to Leyton Orient on 15 April 2022 confirmed Scunthorpe's relegation from the Football League after a 72 year spell.