Born in Aldridge, Staffordshire, he began his career at Walsall as an apprentice, signing professional in 1982. He made 40 first-team appearances in his first season at Fellows Park before he was sold to First Division runners-up Watford for a £130,000 fee in September 1983. His final appearance for the "Saddlers" came in an 8–1 defeat at Bolton Wanderers. There he was coached by Steve Harrison, John Ward and Graham Taylor, whilst playing alongside veteran centre-back Steve Terry. He established himself in the first-team following Ian Bolton's departure and an injuries to Steve Sims and Paul Franklin. At the end of his first season, when still only 18 years old, he played in the 1984 FA Cup final against Everton at Wembley Stadium, collecting a runners-up medal. However he went on to lose his place to new signing John McClelland and had to fit into the team as a full-back and at left midfield during the 1984–85 season. He helped Watford reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup in the 1986–87 campaign and played at left-back across from Chris Waddle in the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.