 Attwell began his career as a junior with local Bristol sides Shirehampton and St. Vallier, before joining Everton's junior scheme.He failed to settle at Everton and returned to Bristol in March 2001, playing a couple trial games for Bristol City before signing a three-year traineeship with Tottenham Hotspur.He was released by Tottenham after failing to make the grade and had trials with Kidderminster Harriers, Bradford City, Salisbury City and Southend United before joining Bristol City in August 2001 as cover for Steve Phillips and Mike Stowell

He failed to make the first team with City and joined Tiverton Town on loan in March 2002, before being released by City at the end of the season.