Born in Ayrshire (although most of his early and later years were spent in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire), he initially played in the Scottish junior leagues with Blantyre Victoria and began his senior career with Everton (making the move south along with forward Allan Maxwell),[2] where he made three appearances in the Football League.

[3] He moved to Preston North End in 1893, where he played as a reserve in a number of outfield positions.

[4] In June 1898, he returned to the Football League with Burnley, where he made six first-team appearances.

Pinnell made his debut for Burnley in the 1–1 draw with Notts County on 3 September 1898, and played four more league matches but spent most of the campaign as an understudy to Jack Hillman.

[3] Pinnell was playing for an amateur Plymouth side called Oreston Rovers in 1903 when he was signed by newly elected Southern League club Plymouth Argyle as back-up to former England international player Jack Robinson.