Joined Coventry City as an apprentice in 1980 before moving to Kent a year later. Made three appearances in 1982/83 and played in Gillingham's first game of the 1983/84 season, but with the Gills disbanding their reserve team he departed.

Trials followed at Norwich and Charlton, but unable to win a contract he decided to try his hand at the part-time game and Trevor Gould snapped him up.