Gavin came through Woods' youth ranks and made a couple of senior appearances before becoming an apprentice at QPR, where he played 40 League games. During an injury-hit career that saw him win seven full international caps for Wales (although born in Hammersmith), he was transferred to Portsmouth (£175,000), and also played for Newcastle United on loan, Millwall, and Scarborough (loan).

He had a brief and not too successful return to the Woods in September 1997.