Ex-soccer star Trevor retires from Oldham-based HPP after 30 years

One of the longest-serving employees at locally-based Hill’s Panel Products (HPP), Trevor Ross, has said goodbye to the family-owned business.

Trevor (68) has retired after 30 years at HPP, the last five as Transport Manager, having joined the Oldham-based manufacturer and supplier of board, doors and fittings for the fitted furniture industry, as an HGV driver just five years after the firm’s inception and later becoming a transport supervisor.

“I’ve had a fabulous 30 years at Hill’s,” said Trevor, who marked his retirement with a holiday to Italy with his wife of 37 years, Debbie.

“I’ve seen the firm grow, and grow, and grow.

"Fair play to them – 10 out of 10 for what they’ve done and it’s great to have been part of it,” he added.

“Stephen and Martin (Hill, the firm’s founders and owners) have brought in the right people who know what they’re doing.

“Keith Wardrope (MD) made a massive impact on the business as far as I’m concerned and now there’s younger directors coming through like Gareth (Evans, Deputy MD), Andy (Evans, IT) and Dan (Mounsey, Marketing and Business Development) who are progressing the company now.”

A former professional footballer, Trevor, a midfielder, enjoyed an illustrious Football League career with Arsenal, Everton, Portsmouth, Sheffield United and Bury, where he finally called time on his full-time career due to injury.

After playing for England under-15s on eight occasions, he later played under-21 international football for Scotland and had a stint with AEK Athens in the Greek first division.

In fact, it was a football connection that led to his new life behind the wheel.

Trevor explained: “After I finished playing, my sponsor at Bury, Tony Noonan, called me up and asked me what I was doing on Saturday morning.

"I said I had no plans, so he said get yourself down to Manchester Training Centre, you’re going for your class one licence and then you’re coming working for me!”

Qualifications complete, Trevor combined driving with playing semi-pro football for Hyde United, where he was signed by former Manchester United boss Tommy Docherty, who later took him to Altrincham when he moved there.

Trevor, who lives in Worsley, says he’s now looking forward to some ‘me time’ - staying fit and healthy with trips to the gym three or four times a week, working in his garden, doing some walking and continuing to look after his two grandchildren, two-year-old Aria, and Amelia, aged 11, after school one day each week along with wife Debbie.

Keith Wardrope, HPP MD, said: “From the pitch to the yard, Trevor has always been a team player.

"Many will know him from his days as a professional footballer, but to us at Hill’s Panel Products, he’s been a captain behind the scenes - dependable, passionate, and full of heart.

“His loyalty, hard work, and unwavering commitment have helped shape who we are today, and his presence will be deeply missed by us all.

“Trev, your dedication has left a lasting legacy.

"On behalf of everyone at HPP, thank you for everything.

"We wish you the very best in your retirement, and remember, legends never truly leave.

"You’ll always be part of the HPP family!”

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