Born in Newcastle, Ian joined his boyhood clubs junior ranks having started his career at the famous Wallsend Boys Club. He would break into the senior squad in 1985 (aged 18), making his debut in 1986 in a league game against Luton.

During his three years as a senior pro he would only play 21 times, with around of third of those appearances coming in cup and other games (including a game at Wembley in the Mercantile Credit Centenary Cup).

He would leave for Preston of a free, transferred two years later to Millwall for £145k. He would play for a host of other clubs, most notably Port Vale where he would play 181 games over 5 years.

Ian would also manage Gateshead and Stockport following his playing career.