Wood played for local side Smallthorne Albion, before joining Burslem Port Vale in December 1892, aged 16.
[3] A versatile player, he was utilised in most positions during his time at the club; including in goal at Rotherham Town on 28 October 1893, where he kept a clean sheet in a 1–0 win.
Port Vale lodged a complaint with The Football Association about "poaching", claiming that the contract was signed before the League season had ended.
The Southampton director, Alfred McMinn was suspended for a year and trainer Bill Dawson for a month; Wood's registration with St Mary's was cancelled.
Stoke had a poor campaign and finished bottom of the First Division, meaning they had to play a test match series against Newcastle United and Burnley.