Born in Taunton, Somerset, Addison started his playing career with York City before moving to Nottingham Forest, Arsenal and Sheffield United.
His time at Highbury was hampered by injury and, after scoring an average of 1 goal in every 3 games for the Gunners, he was sold to First Division side Sheffield United at the end of the 1967 season.
[2] Signed as a centre forward and provide goals, he remained a first-team regular until the 1971 season where, when he opted to move into management, joining leading non-league side Hereford United as player-manager.
He inherited a strong group of players which he led through the club's famous Giantkilling FA Cup run and ultimately election to the Football League.
In the Second Round, Addison and his team needed two replays to get past Northampton Town but it was worth the effort as a trip to top-flight Newcastle United awaited.
In front of a capacity crowd and on a quagmire of a pitch, Addison and Hereford unbelievably won 2–1 after extra time with Radford and George scoring.
His next managerial position was at Newport County achieving the 'Great Escape' of the 1976–77 season[5] before he returned to West Bromwich Albion as assistant manager to Ron Atkinson.