Career
Born in Staveley, he played his league football as a left back foreign Club career Lilley started his career playing for his home-town club of Staveley before he was signed by in the summer of 1890. He played regularly for the Blades for two seasons but once they were elected to the Football League his appearances became less frequent.
He remained with the club for another two seasons although became prone to knee injuries and was released in 1894.
International career Along with fellow United player Michael Whitham, Lilley was selected for an international trial in February 1892 and made his one and only appearance for England the following month against Wales.
