[2][3] Painter was born in Wombourne, Staffordshire, England, but graduated from Stoke's youth system at the Victoria Ground, making his debut one day before his 18th birthday against Everton in 1982.
[3] However Stoke were relegated with just 17 points and new manager Mick Mills decided Painter was surplus to requirements and let him join Coventry City for a fee of £85,000.
[3] His time at Coventry was overshadowed by injuries and made only three appearances before he decided to retire from football at the age of 23.
He spent four years in non-league before he became a part-time coach whilst also owning a sports shop in Wombourne.
[3] He joined the Coventry City Former Players Association in October 2011.