With the older Rice and Sammy Nelson occupying the Arsenal full back positions of the time, Devine didn't break into the first team straight away, although he did play in the 1980 FA Cup Final defeat against West Ham United in preference to Nelson, Devine was also a member the Arsenal squad for the Gunners' Cup Winners Cup final against Valencia. After Rice left for Watford in the summer of 1980, Devine stepped up to become Arsenal's regular right-back, playing 44 times in 1980–81. However, his tenure there didn't last, after Devine was out of the side with a serious injury, John Hollins was moved back into defence as cover, and Devine could not reclaim his place once he had regained fitness.