Cockerill began his career at non-league Louth United, and made his name in the professional game at Lincoln City.
He left the Saints in December 1993, having made 358 appearances for the club in all competitions,[1] and later spent three seasons at Leyton Orient, before finishing his career with spells at Fulham and Brentford.
In 1988, while playing for Southampton, Cockerill was punched in the face by Paul Davis of Arsenal, breaking his jaw.
Although the referee failed to spot the incident, Davis subsequently received a nine-match ban and a £3,000 fine.
In August 2008 Brighton and Hove Albion Manager Micky Adams added Cockerill to his scouting network.