Career
Born in Norwich, Painter had initially trialled at Ipswich Town but signed as an apprentice with Norwich City in May 1966. He was captain of both Norwich and Norfolk boys teams and made 103 reserve team appearances, but could only muster two Football League appearances between turning professional in 1967 and signing for Colchester United in 1970. Colchester manager Dick Graham signed Painter in April 1970, but didn"t make his first (and only) appearance until December of the same year.
The game was a 1–0 defeat at Layer Road to Chester City on 18 December.
He was released by Colchester at the end of the 1970-1971 season, joining King"s Lynn and spending three years with the club He later joined Lowestoft Town but rarely featured.
He became an insurance worker in Norwich following his full-time football career.