Ray Knowles came to Hayes in February 1986-7 from Burnham & Hillingdon shortly before the departure of Les Ferdinand, at the advanced age of 33, having previously played for Wimbledon, Southall, Harrow Borough and Wealdstone.  In fact, Hayes was his last club: he retired in May 1988, although there was talk of his playing in an emergency during the following season.  He made 49+23 appearances, scoring 12 goals, including a hat-trick in a 5-0 victory at Top Field, Hitchin, but his best days were already behind him.

Steve Kuhne, a forward joined from Arlesey Town at the age of 21, having previously played for Tottenham Hotspur, St Neots Town, Potton United and Stotfold. He joined Hayes at the start of the 1988-9 season and made 18+22 appearances, scoring seven goals, before being released in June 1989 and joining Hampton. From there he played for Yeading, Uxbridge (twice) and Ruislip Manor.