Beck started his playing career at Queens Park Rangers signing in May 1972 and made his debut in the 3–1 win against Leyton Orient in December 1972.
Beck was unable to hold down a regular place in the immensely successful QPR side of the mid-1970s, competing with England captain Gerry Francis and Scottish international Don Masson for the creative midfield role.
In 1976, the year that QPR finished second to Liverpool in the First Division, he moved to Coventry City after playing 40 league games for Rangers, scoring once.
Gordon Milne's side containing Tommy Hutchison, Mick Ferguson, Ian Wallace, Terry Yorath, Graham Oakey, Bobby McDonald and Jim Blyth played scintillating attacking football that swept many teams aside, often by large margins of victory, although they failed to win any silverware or qualify for the UEFA Cup.
Beck's long ball playing style, despite its success, was heavily criticised in the media, and by fans and managers of other clubs, particularly Glenn Hoddle then of Swindon Town.
He also oversaw many unorthodox developments at the club, including the tactical repositioning of the away team dugout, ensuring the grass around the corner area was longer so as to slow the ball down when played in that part of the pitch, and the practice of throwing buckets of cold water over players before a match.
One of the players recruited in September 1993 was centre half David Moyes who later managed the club at the start of a long and successful managerial career.
Beck surprisingly replaced experienced centre half Stuart Hicks with youngster Jamie Squires for the Final and despite leading 2–1 at one stage they were ultimately beaten 4–2 by Wycombe Wanderers.
In 1999, Beck teamed up with Shane Westley, his former assistant at Lincoln City and joined Barrow in a short lived advisory role.