Nottingham-born Richard Mellon was a trainee defender whom the Canaries released at the end of the 1993/94 season. He began his footballing career with Camberley Raiders in Surrey as 7-year old. When his father's work took the family to Florida, he played for the Seminole County select squad and then on his return to England, played in Dorset for Grange Athletic and the Poole and East Dorset Schools Under 14 side. During this time, he came to Norwich's attention and signed as an associate schoolboy. He remained with the Canaries despite his family's move back to Nottinghamshire, travelling across to Norfolk every weekend to play for City's Under-15 and Under-16 sides. Joined Norwich as a trainee professional in the summer of 1993.

He returned to his roots to join Eastwood Town in July 1994 playing either as a centre back or right back. After spells with Attenborough, Arnold Town and Gedling Town, he joined Barwell in June 2002