Tim O'Connor had played for Cardiff City in the Football League when he spent a short period on trial with Exeter City in 1986.

Briefly playing for Afan Lido when leaving school, he joined Cardiff City as a trainee in 1984 and made two league appearances during 1985/86 before his release at the end of the campaign. 

After attempting to win a professional contract with Exeter City, he soon returned to Afan Lido where he stayed, as a regular goalscorer until 1995.