Hoy was born in Poplar, Greater London and his talent for football was spotted whilst playing for school teams.
[3] Hoy made his league debut against Sunderland in March 1966 and went on to make 15 senior appearances for the club, usually as a stand-in for Wales international Mike England, before leaving in 1968.
[5] Hoy began the 1969–70 season, in the top flight, as a first choice but lost his starting place to David Payne in October.
[6] He scored the winning goal in the final game of the season, against Manchester City, that saved the club from relegation.
[3] Hoy emigrated to New South Wales, Australia, with his family, where he took up a role with the clergy[7] and played football for a Palm Beach team.