The Leicestershire-born goalkeeper had trials with Fosse in August 1898 but didn't get a deal there and then. Instead, he went on to play for Bristol St George and Whitwick Town before eventually returning to Leicester in September 1899.
There was perhaps a reason for him not getting a deal with the Foxes the first time around, as his form playing in Fosse's reserves was reportedly so poor that when Godfrey Beardsley, Fosse's number one at the time, was absent, the Leicester management of the time opted instead to play a forward in a goal.
It was therefore no surprise that he managed only one senior Football League appearance for the club, coming away at Port Vale in February 1900.His nightmares continued at Whitwick Town, letting in 16 goals against an Aston Villa reserve side in a Walsall Cup tie.