He started his football career as an amateur with his hometown team Finchley, in the London League.
His chances were limited at Villa Park, and he signed for Burnley during the 1935–36 season where he developed into an inside right earning the nickname The Toff because of his gentlemanly approach to life and football.
Brocklebank began to rebuild the side but resigned in 1954 just six months before they were promoted back to the top flight.
He worked as a scout for West Bromwich Albion from October 1954 to March 1955[3] until he was appointed manager at Hull City.
He guided the club to fifth-place finishes in 1961–62 and 1963–64 but City had had to apply for re-election in the season between the promotion pushes.