Born in 1884, in Wolverhampton, Lewis joined Stafford Rangers in 1902 and transferred to Second Division club West Bromwich Albion in June 1904.
He made his Football League debut at Burnley in September 1904, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 win.
It is said Chapman invited him into his office, locked the door, and hid the key, stating: "you won't get out of here until you have signed".
[2] He was part of the Southern League championship winning team of 1908–09 forming a successful partnership with Fred Lessons.
[4] Lewis re-joined West Bromwich Albion for £50 in May 1913,[2] before joining North Eastern League club South Shields for £50 in March 1914.