Dods played as a central defender for Hibernian, St Johnstone, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Dundee United, Falkirk, Forfar Athletic and Brechin City.
He began his professional career with hometown club Hibernian in 1992, making over seventy first team appearances in a six-year spell.
In 1998, Dods moved to St Johnstone where his performances earned him a four-year contract extension in December 2000.
[7] On 22 June 2007, Dods formally joined the club, signing a two-year contract with Dundee United.
[12] In June 2015, following the departure of Ray McKinnon to Raith Rovers, Dods was appointed as player/manager of Brechin City in his first managerial role.
However, a late burst of form saw the club win 8 of the final ten games, pushing the side clear of the relegation and play-off positions to finish the season in seventh.