Paul Roberts already had plenty of experience with Millwall, Brentford, Swindon and Southend and Aldershot when he joined  Exeter City in December 1988. Making just three appearances for the Grecians, he soon moved on for a second spell at Southend ahead of finishing his 432-game Football League career with Colchester. 

Starting as an apprentice at Millwall, Paul signed his first full contract in April 1979 and went on to make 146 league appearances before transferring to Brentford in September 1983 where he added a further 62 league games to his tally. After a spell playing in Finland, he signed for Swindon Town in September 1985, Southend United in July 1986 and Aldershot in August 1987 before playing for Leytonstone & Ilford either side of summer stints in the United States with Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Signing for Exeter City on non-contract forms in December 1988, Paul made his debut on Boxing Day 1988 against Hereford United and played in the next two games against York City and Stockport County before leaving the club..

Soon returning for a second spell with Southend United, he later had spells with Fisher Athletic, Colchester United (where he scored his only Football League goal) and Chesham as he brought down the curtain on a 432 game Football League career.