
Paul was a product of the Derby County youth system and came through the ranks to make his first team debut in Arthur Cox’s team as an eighteen-year old in 1989. Originally a hard tackling midfield player, he was later converted to a central defender where his lack of speed was not a handicap. He played almost 200 games for the Rams and won six under 21 caps before Ron Atkinson signed him for Coventry in 1995 for £1 million. His first season at Coventry saw him playing as the defensive midfield player but in 1996-97 he was switched to defence partnering Liam Daish, Gary Breen or Richard Shaw. In the crucial final game at Tottenham, ‘Willo’ headed the second goal as City escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth. His disciplinary record was suspect at times and he was given his marching orders on various occasions, most notably for fouling Dennis Bergkamp at Highfield Road in 1998 and for kicking the scoreboard at Preston in 2000. ‘Willo’ always gave 100% and his wholehearted approach made him popular with the fans and his tussles with players like Mark Hughes and John Hartson were fascinating. On more than one occasion his career at City looked at risk, after Gary Breen arrived and then when Mo Konjic arrived but Paul fought for and regained his place.
Paul lost his place after Strachan’s departure in 2001 and soon followed his mentor to Southampton where he became a firm favourite with the fans. He played 39 games over two seasons and was an unused substitute in the 2003 FA Cup final against Arsenal. In 2005 he moved to Stoke and notched a further 19 games over two seasons before a brief twilight career in USA with Richmond Kickers.
Red cards (4)
1995-96
25 November 1995 v Wimbledon H, deliberate handball
1997-98
06 December 1997 v Aston Villa A, two bookings
17 January 1998 v Arsenal H, professional foul on Dennis Bergkamp
2000-01
19 September 2000 v Preston North End A, two bookings











































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































