Born in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, Bishop began his career with Middlesbrough in their youth system.

[4] After being released by Middlesbrough as a teenager he moved to Northern League club Billingham Town and played there for a number of years.

[6] He made 11 appearances and scored two goals for Gateshead in all competitions in the 2002–03 season,[7] before leaving in October 2002 and re-signing for Billingham.

[14] His lip was cut in an alleged clash with Denny Ingram in the tunnel following a match against Halifax Town in November, which Bishop decided not to press charges against.

[18][19] He scored the winning goal against Oxford United with a 20-yard volley on the final day of the 2006–07 season, meaning York secured a place in the Conference National play-offs.

[22] Bishop rejected a new deal at York, saying he wanted his salary to fall in line with the club's top earners.

[28] He finished the 2007–08 season with 47 appearances and two goals for Barnet,[29] and handed in a transfer request in April 2008 after turning down an improved contract with the club.

[33] He suffered a fractured jaw after being kicked in the face during a match against Darlington by Ricky Ravenhill in December, which ruled him out for the Christmas period.

[citation needed] He finished the 2010–11 season with 51 appearances and two goals,[43] and was voted by supporters as Notts County's Player of the Year.

[48] Bishop signed for newly promoted League One club Scunthorpe United on 19 June 2014 on a two-year contract.

[51] Bishop joined Scarborough Athletic in September 2020 after turning down offers from a number of clubs higher in the football pyramid.