[1] As an amateur player, Oliver beat Ian Williamson 7–5 in the final of the 1981 Pontins Autumn Open.

[4] He made his television debut as a player in the 1984 World Doubles Championship, partnering Roger Bales in a 4–5 loss to Terry Griffiths and John Parrott in a match that finished at 12:30 am.

[5][6] Oliver beat former champion Ray Reardon in the second qualifying round of the 1988 World Snooker Championship.

[7] Later that year he joined the board of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), taking the place of Rex Williams.

Oliver required 15 stitches and had to wear a neck brace, but his passenger Mike Hallett was uninjured.