Former Preston North End midfielder Mark Walsh had just returned from New Zealand when he made his sole league appearance for Exeter City in August 1985.  He subsequently played semi-professionally for a string of Lancashire clubs. 

An apprentice with his local club Preston North End, Mark signed a full contract in October 1980 and went on to play in 62 league games for the Deepdale club scoring twice. After being released at the end of the 1983/84 season, he played in Auckland in New Zealand.

Returning to Britain he signed non-contract forms for Exeter City in August 1985 and, only briefly staying at St James’ Park, his solitary league outing for the Grecians was as a substitute in the 4-0 defeat at Aldershot in the second game of the season.

Soon moving on, Mark signed for Morecambe ahead of playing for Chorley, Workington, Accrington Stanley, Clitheroe, Darwen and Great Harwood Town.