Paul Blades joined Norwich in 1990 after making 166 appearances for Derby County. Never a convincing figure in the Norwich back four, Paul was sold on to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1992 where he managed to make another 107 appearances. A further transfer to Rotherham took place in July 1995 for £110,000. In the summer of 1997, he joined GM Vauxhall Conference side Hednesford Town.

According to the Daily Telegraph of 24th March 1999, Paul Blades was a target for lowly Gresley Rovers of the Dr Martens League. This came true and Paul joined Gresley as player coach. However the August 1999 edition of Team Talk stated that Paul had been released by Gresley. Mike Davage's Canaries.. On A Wing and A Prayer article in the 2002/03 Norwich City official handbook revealed that Paul is working as a Health and Safety Officer.

Paul moved into management in May 2004 when he took over as manager of Everards Brewery Leicestershire Senior League club Stapenhill. He was introduced to the club when his son Dean, a midfield player previously with Burton Albion's youth team, was recruited by previous manager Brian Train who was to remain at the club and work alongside Blades. Paul only lasted 8 games with Stapenhill before departing the club.

Paul is now working as a health and safety officer at The Cube, the final £100m phase of Birmingham’s stylish Mailbox complex.