 Carr, born in Aylesham, Kent, began his senior football career with Margate, making his debut aged 15 in a Kent Floodlight Cup game at Hastings United.He joined Luton Town as an apprentice in January 1973 (Luton paying Margate £2000 as a transfer fee) and turned professional in January 1975.After 43 games, all in Division Two he joined Colin Murphy's Lincoln City for £20,500 in July 1979.