 He began his career as a junior with Newcastle United, turning professional in June 1981.Increasingly out of the first team picture at Newcastle, Saunders joined Bradford City on loan in March 1985, moving to Carlisle United for a fee of £20,000 in August 1985.Saunders subsequently joined Dundee before joining Torquay United in July 1990 for a then club record fee of £60,000.