 In the summer of 1988, after having contributed with 22 games as the club returned to the top level, he moved to Hércules CF, retiring from the game at the age of 31 after a couple of Segunda División B seasons.Hierro was the oldest of three siblings who were all footballers, and defenders.He partnered Manolo during six years at his main club whilst the youngest, Fernando, had a lengthy spell with both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, appearing on nearly 90 occasions for the latter.