[2] After retiring from football, he worked as a steel roller and later opened a china shop in Ecclesall Road, Sheffield.

He made his début for the Blades in a Division One match at Bury on 1 September 1908, replacing Ernest Needham at left-half.

In 1923, he joined Norwich City where he made 47 appearances, helping them to what was then their best-ever league finish, 11th in Division Three South.

Sturgess, although not as naturally gifted as some of his contemporaries, was noted for his determination and willingness to graft; he was a tall, wiry defender, nicknamed hairpin because of his build.

He was renowned for his skill in tackling and long, accurate kicking, and was almost ever-present in the Sheffield United team until his late thirties.