The son of a professional footballer - his father Joe played for Hull and Fulham - he was captain of the London University side and was just eighteen when he played for Great Britain in the Berlin Olympics. After playing as an amatuer for Fulham and Brentford he joined Reading in 1939 where his father had become team manager. Still an amateur player, he took over the Secretaryship of Reading (from his sister) in February 1946 before finally turning professional in July 1947.

Despite still being an amateur at the time he played for the professional England team in unofficial matches during World War II and played alongside future manager Les Henley for Eastern Command against Northern Command at Elland Road in February 1946.

After a season with Northampton Town, he retired in 1953 to pursue a career in journalism. He joined the BBC in the late fifties and commentated on football and tennis until his death in 1976. As the BBC's senior commentator he broadcast on three FIFA World Cups including England's victory in the 1966 tournament.