Phil Hoadley joined Norwich in August 1978 from Leyton Orient for whom he had made 255 league appearances. His transfer went to a tribunal as he was the first player to take advantage of the freedom of contract rule. As a hard-tackling but fair half back, Phil made 89 appearances for the Canaries but suffered a knee injury whilst on loan to Eastern Athletic of Hong Kong in 1982.

He moved into Norfolk's amateur football scene with Loddon, Norwich Utd and Holt United as manager whilst pursuing careers in decorating, sales, building work and liquid refreshments. Phil was assisting Mark Barham at Fakenham Town of the Jewson Eastern Counties League when on 22th August 1997, he rejoined Norwich City as their Football in the Community officer.

Phil's playing career began at Selhurt Park and he made 73 appearances for Crystal Palace, playing on either the left wing or in central defence. He earned England Youth honours but opted to leave when Malcolm Allison took over. Moving to Orient, he teamed up with former Palace players David Payne, John Jackson, Mark Lazarus and Gerry Queen. Phil spent seven seasons at Orient before taking advantage of "freedom of contract" to move to a bigger stage. Despite interest from Everton, Derby and the New York Cosmos, he opted for Carrow Road.