After several years playing for his school, St. Mark's College, Fulham, Bill played in the Willesden District League for Roundwood. During service in France and the East he played for his battalion, 13th Kensingtons and as the War ended he was selected for the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in the Inter-Theater of War championship. Returning hom he assisted Watford reserves during the 1919/20 season before switching to Hampstead Town the following campaign.

Described as one of the impetuous breed of half-backs, those whose first thought was to win the ball, Bill joined the club from Hampstead Town just before Christmas 1922 and after a couple of games in the reserves was found a place in the first XI.