Adrian began his career initially at West Bromwich Albion as a junior, but after failing to break into the first team, he moved across the Midlands to Walsall in the summer of 1989, where he spent two years with the Saddlers.  In August 1991, he moved to Sheffield United, where he had a successful period with the club playing in the first ever Premier League season and scoring 8 times in 27 appearances. After making 44 League and Premiership starts and scoring 12 goals, he moved to Plymouth Argyle in September 1995 in a deal worth £100,000. While with the Pilgrims, he averaged a goal every three games. In March 1998, he joined Oldham Athletic, although his stay was short lived, joining Bury for £75,000 in November the same year. He made nearly 100 appearances for Bury before Neil Warnock brought him back to Sheffield united in October 2001 on a non-contract basis. In February 2003, he joined Port Vale, before joining Lincoln City in August 2004, where he failed to make an impact and was released.

Adrian joined Diamonds on 7 January 2005 on a deal until the end of the season, manager Ernie Tippett being very pleased to have him on board with such vast experience.

He was released at the end of the season, and went on the join Mansfield Town, but retired in the summer of 2006. Despite retirement, he played a few games for Leek Town and Retford United during the following season, while persuing a career in coaching. He is currently a Football Development Officer and Community Coach with Sheffield United.