The 28-year-old started his career as a trainee with Manchester United but failed to make the breakthrough at Old Trafford and joined Sunderland as a youngster. He enjoyed loan spells with Scarborough, Hartlepool and Darlington before signing for the Quakers on a permanent basis in 1999.

After making more than 100 appearances for Darlington his impressive form caught the eyes of Norwich City and he moved to Carrow Road in 2002. The left back made just 16 appearances for the Canaries before returning to Yorkshire with Bradford City in 2003. He was named Bantams Player Of The Year in 2004 but left the West Yorkshire side at the end of the season to join Sheffield Wednesday.

He made the move to Hillsborough in May 2004 and was a virtual ever present for the Owls during their promotion campaign last season. He has turned out 47 times for Sheffield Wednesday, played in last season's Coca Cola League One Play Off Final victory at the Millennium Stadium and in the goalless draw at Oakwell in February 2005.

Paul has made almost 280 appearances in total throughout his professional career, netting 13 goals.

Paul established himself firmly in the Reds side and scored a decisive penalty in the historic Play Off Final shoot out at Cardiff in May 2006.