Paul Read, who began his career with Arsenal, was chiefly known for his time at Wycombe Wanderers and in Sweden. His eighteen-month spell with Exeter City between 2000 and 2002, when he often appeared as a substitute, marked the end of his time in professional football.

After representing England Schools, Paul became an Arsenal trainee in 1990 and a full professional in October 1991. Although Paul never appeared in the first-team during his time at Highbury he was to sample Football League action whilst on loan with Leyton Orient and Southend United ahead of joining Wycombe Wanderers in a £35,000 deal in January 1997. In just over two years in Buckinghamshire Paul played around sixty league games - with around half of his appearances coming as a substitute - and scored a dozen goals in all competitions. Released in 1999 Mark spent two summer seasons with IFK Östersund in Sweden either side of a brief stint with Luton Town. 

Returning from Sweden  in November 2000, Paul signed for Exeter City and quickly made his debut at Lincoln City on 25 November. He ended the season having played eleven times in the league and scoring against Leyton Orient in January 2001. Retained for the following season, Paul - invariably coming off the bench - appeared in sixteen league and cup games until his final appearance against Lincoln City on 30 March 2002. He was released in May 2002 and never again appeared in the Football League.