Powell began his playing career at Tranmere Rovers, making a goalscoring debut for the club at the age of 17 on 1 March 1981 in a match against Torquay United.
In 1993, he took over as player-manager of Connah's Quay Nomads, where his playing career came to an end following a broken leg sustained during a game against Llansantffraid on the opening day of the 1996–97 season.
[1] After 14 years in charge at Connah's Quay, Powell took over as manager of Bangor City in 2007, replacing Steve Bleasdale.
On 25 July 2016, news broke that Neville Powell had been "relieved of his duties", according to a statement released by the club.
On 28 March 2018 the club announced Powell would become director of football and Irish coach Seamus Heath would become manager.