In their history, Hayes have signed several players who failed to live up to their reputations. One of them was John Delaney. He was a post-war anomaly – a goal-scoring centre-half – who had a rich pedigree: 20 England amateur international caps, and membership of the British Olympic XI. He had played for Slough (1963-9), Wycombe (1969-73 and 1975-6) and for Bournemouth (1973-5) as a professional and, when he joined Hayes in August 1976 at the age of 34, he was immediately made captain. He made 42+1 appearances and scored 8 goals, but rarely showed the form which was expected of him, lost his place in the team and had his contract cancelled by mutual consent in April 1977. He went to Sutton, and then Hampton. Later he played for and managed Tring Town and Oxford City.

Colin Dennison arrived in February 1985 with a big reputation as a goalscorer having netted 72 times in just 108 appearances for Southall. His spell lasted just 9 games where he scored two goals before returning to Southall the following season.

Chris Dixon came to Hayes as a forward, first of all from Hillingdon Borough in 1983, and then from Uxbridge in 1988, but converted successfully to midfield. He was voted Club Player of the Year in 1988-9 and chosen for Middlesex in 1990. In a Hayes career which spanned seven seasons, he made 160+14 appearances and scored 27 goals.

Gary Dolling was a 17 year old striker who arrived from Wimbledon in November 1985 but struggled to establish himself, scoring 6 times in 30+1 appearances. Also played for Tooting & Mitcham United.

Finally, Alfredo “Freddie” Domingos was a diminutive Portuguese striker, who joined from North Greenford United in 1997 for a £1,000 fee.  He had speed and undoubted skill and, reputedly, had started with Benfica, but he did not have the physique necessary for the English winter game. The fans loved to see him score, because they would be treated to a series of somersaults and cartwheels in celebration. Over two seasons he made only 9+13 appearances, and scored 7 goals, so some enjoyment was provided. He moved to Maidenhead United, but was soon back at North Greenford United again.