In 1978-1979 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 1979-1980 Bristol City finished 20th and were relegated to the Second Division.
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 Dicksas 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 0–2 defeat at Middlesbrough on 8 April 1978, his only appearance in the 1977-1978 season.
Stevens played in only one game scoring in a 1–3 defeat in the second leg of the Anglo Scottish Cup at Street Mirren on 16 April 1980. In the Second Division the "Robins" fared badly being in 21st position for most of the season.
Stevens made 14 appearances in 1980-1981. Stevens was the only ever present player in the tumultuous 1981-1982 season when City were relegated for the third successive season this time to the Fourth Division.
Stevens made 46 appearances in 1981-1982 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 4th round where City lost 0–1 to Aston Villa. Stevens made 10 appearances in 1982-1983 as City eventually recovered to a mid table 14th place.
Stevens made 30 appearances sharing the right back duties with Andy Llewellyn when Bristol City finished 5th in the Third Division in 1984-1985.
Stevens joined Bath City on a free transfer in July 1985 from Bristol City. Stevens also helped Bath City regain their place in the Football Conference in 1989-1990 before a knee injury brought his playing career to an education with Bristol City.
