Career
He started his career with Greenock Morton, before a big-money move to Premier League side Leeds United. He had loan spells with Hearts and Bury before joining Oxford United. In 2000, Lilley returned to Scotland with Dundee United, playing with them, Livingston, Morton again, and Saint Johnstone, Stirling Albion then finally Forfar Athletic.
Morton & England
He spent three months on loan, at Heart of Midlothian and Bury, where again he managed a goal for each club
A move to Oxford United in 1999-1900 helped kick-start his career and his return of 9 goals from 63 appearances prompted interest from Dundee United. Scotland
A move in December 2000 saw him head north to United and a debut goal salvaged a point at home to Rangers, although he would be sent off in his second game against former club Hearts.
The following season, Lilley would manage just six goals, despite a hat-trick against Street Johnstone and only two league goals in 2002-2003 spelled the end of his time at Tannadice. This earned him the nickname of "The Goal Machine." 2004-2005 was a different story, however and Lilley"s three goals were not enough to earn him a new contract.
Lilley returned to first club Morton for 2005-2006 and managed twelve league goals as Morton narrowly lost in the play-off semi-finals.
In 2006-2007, he had managed four league goals by the turn of the year. On 26 January 2007, his contract was terminated by Morton, and he signed for Saint Johnstone. After making fourteen appearances for Saints (all as a substitute), Lilley was released by the club at the end of the season.
On 7 June 2007, Lilley signed for newly promoted First Division side Stirling Albion.
Lilley only played a handful of games for Stirling Albion before being released at the end of the season. Lilley signed for Forfar Athletic in June 2008, going on to score three goals against East Stirlingshire and Berwick in the league and Partick Thistle in the League Cup, before being released at the end of the 2008/09 season.
