Dave Harle made around forty-odd league appearances for Exeter City during the early 1980s sandwiched by spells with Doncaster Rovers. Later playing for Leeds United, he made another return to Doncaster after appearing for Bristol City, Scunthorpe and Peterborough. 

An England Youth International, Dave joined Doncaster Rovers in November 1980 and went on to make sixty-one league appearances before joining Exeter City in July 1982. Making his City league debut against Huddersfield Town on 28 August 1982, Dave was never out of contention - nor absent for more than three games in succession - as he started 36 games that season (plus one substitute appearance) with six goals including two against Oxford United in March 1983.

Playing six more league games for City at the start of the following season, Dave left the club to rejoin Doncaster Rovers in September 1983 and later followed manager Billy Bremner to Leeds United in December 1985 for £5,000. Making just three league appearances for his new club, Dave was soon on the move again to Bristol City in June 1986 and Scunthorpe United in November 1986 where he made 88 league appearances and was player of the year. He then joined Peterborough United for £15,000 in March 1989 ahead of signing for Doncaster Rovers again in March 1990. He finished his career with Stafford Rangers, Goole Town and Mossley and subsequently worked for Doncaster council.