Gavin began his footballing career as a schoolboy centre forward and joined the groundstaff at Sheffield Wednesday in July 1979.

An injury to a centre-half in a Youth match saw him switch to the number 5 shirt and he developed through the ranks until signing professional forms in August 1980.

One month later he made his League debut when he went on as substitute at Oldham Athletic but had to wait for his full League debut until such time as he went on loan to 4^th Division strugglers Tranmere Rovers in January 1983.

He played in 17 successive games while at Prenton Park before returning to Hillsborough in April and immediately figured in two League games there before returning to the Reserves.

His chances were limited and in August 1985 he went to Brighton & Hove Albion on loan and played in the Seagulls' opening 16 League matches of the season and then joined Bradford City for £20,000 in November.