An inside forward, Paton began his senior playing career with Leeds United, returning to Scotland with Jock Stein's Dunfermline in 1961.
He stayed ten years with the Fife side, helping them win the Scottish Cup in 1967–68 and reach the final in 1964–65.
After over 200 first-team appearances he moved to Berwick Rangers in 1972, although the repercussions of two leg-breaks during his time with Dunfermline forced his early retiral after just five games for the Borderers.
Paton subsequently began a coaching career, initially assisting George Farm at Raith Rovers.
[2] In 1980, he left football to concentrate on business concerns, but returned in 1986 to assist Alex Totten at Dumbarton.