Born in Coatbridge, Brown began his career with Scottish amateur outfit Cumbernauld Thistle.
He later joined Cardiff City, making three appearances for the side over two years.
[3] He moved to Torquay United in 1938, making 34 league appearances and scoring five goals after World War II.
[4] Brown joined Southern League club Colchester United in 1947, making his debut in the opening game of the 1947–48 season in a 5–1 victory at Bedford Town.
[5] He scored his first goal for Colchester in a 2–1 FA Cup first round win over Banbury Spencer on 29 November 1947.