Along with Lem Newcomb and Tommy Frame he was one of three experienced ball-playing half-backs signed by Gordon Hunt in 1936. Appointed club captain he helped to lay the foundations of a new side which played attractive football. In his early days he worked down the pit at Glespin. At Preston he played 392 League games and during a run of seven seasons missed only one match. An attacking wing-half he was once tried by Preston at centre-forward and scored four goals against Stoke. He had a run of 234 League games in succession for Preston and Blackpool and went on to complete 500 League appearances — the first Southport player to do so. A high commendation from a critic of the time read, “Skilful in trapping the ball, quick and resourceful passer, fearless tackler and enthusiastic.” After retiring from football he opened a hardware business in Preston and did some scouting for Liverpool. On the day he died his son Bruce was playing wing-half for Tranmere at Haig Avenue.