McHale started his career with Rangers, but failed to play a senior game for them.

He joined Sauchie Juniors in December 2003, With the club, the team reached the last eight of the Scottish Junior Cup, finished runners up in the Lothian First Division and won the Lothians & Fife Cup (4–0 v Linlithgow Rose).

Paul was handed the captain's armband, and has proved to be an influential leader.

McHale missed most of season 2005–06 with a stomach injury, including the shock Scottish Cup victory over Celtic.

McHale hoped to lift Clyde's first major trophy in 48 years in November 2006, the Scottish Challenge Cup, but Clyde lost out on a penalty shoot out.