Paul David Stevens (born 4 April 1960) was an English footballer who played as a right back. He made over 140 Football League appearances in the 1970s and 1980s mostly for Bristol City.
Paul Stevens played locally for Hartcliffe School and Bristol Boys in Bristol. He was signed by manager Alan Dicks as a professional in April 1978 for Bristol City.
Stevens made his debut for Bristol City in the First Division deputising at right back for Gerry Sweeney in a 0âÂÂ2 defeat at Middlesbrough on 8 April 1978, his only appearance in the 1977âÂÂ78 season. In 1978âÂÂ79 with Sweeney ever present at right back, Stevens did not have the opportunity to appear in the first team as Bristol City finished 13th in the First Division. The following season 1979âÂÂ80 Bristol City finished 20th and were relegated to the Second Division. Stevens played in only one game scoring in a 1âÂÂ3 defeat in the second leg of the Anglo Scottish Cup at St Mirren on 16 April 1980.
In the Second Division the "Robins" fared badly being in 21st position for most of the season. After a run of only one win in 12 league matches and going six matches without scoring Stevens was introduced at right back when Alan Hay was missing and Sweeney switched to left back. The result was a 1âÂÂ0 win v Sheffield Wednesday and Stevens retained his place for the remainder of the season although the "Robins" only won two more league games and were relegated to the Third Division. Stevens made 14 appearances in 1980âÂÂ81.
Stevens was the only ever present player in the tumultuous 1981âÂÂ82 season when City were relegated for the third successive season this time to the Fourth Division. Stevens made 46 appearances in 1981âÂÂ82 scoring one goal. The next highest number of appearances was 33 in this worst of all seasons for the "Robins". The one redeeming feature was reaching the FA Cup 4th round where City lost 0âÂÂ1 to Aston Villa.
Stevens began the first ever campaign in the Fourth Division at right back but after an early run of seven games without a win left Bristol City in 23rd place Stevens was replaced when Rob Newman moved across from left back. Stevens made 10 appearances in 1982âÂÂ83 as City eventually recovered to a mid table 14th place. Stevens returned in 1983âÂÂ84 and missed only one game mainly playing at right back as Bristol City won promotion back to the Third Division finishing in 4th place. Stevens made 45+1 appearances scoring two goals including the winner in a 1âÂÂ0 win v York City.
Stevens made 30 appearances sharing the right back duties with Andy Llewellyn when Bristol City finished 5th in the Third Division in 1984âÂÂ85.
Stevens joined Bath City on a free transfer in July 1985 from Bristol City. In 1986âÂÂ87 Stevens played for Bath City v Bristol City in the FA Cup 2nd round which Bristol City won after a replay. Stevens also helped Bath City regain their place in the Football Conference in 1989âÂÂ90 before a knee injury brought his playing career to an end.