In a career badly hit by injury Darren Gale played for Exeter City during the mid-1980s after joining the club from Swansea City.

A Welsh Under-21 international, Darren signed professional forms for Swansea City in October 1980 having previously been an apprentice. He made his Football League debut in the top flight in Swansea's 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa in May 1982. He struggled to recapture his best form after breaking his leg in a reserve match and, reuniting with his former Swansea manager Colin Appleton, signed for Exeter City in September 1985.

He made his Grecians’ debut against Scunthorpe United at St James’ Park on 18 September 1985 and went on to score five times in 18 appearances during his first season with the club. Appearing just twice more at the start of the next season, Darren sustained a further injury in September 1986 which ended his playing career. He lived in Exeter for a while longer before returning to the Port Talbot area.