He scored on his first team debut at Watford and his sensational speed and dribbling quickly made him a fan's favourite.

The First Division scouts were soon alerted to his prowess and after just 22 games for Coventry (and 11 goals) he was signed by Manchester City for a club record £3000.

That season City finished eighth and Tommy Johnson scored a club record of 38 league goals.

In the 1931–1932 season the City team, which now included the Scottish centre forward Alec Herd, managed to reach the semi-final of the FA Cup but were defeated by Arsenal by 1–0 with a goal from England international Cliff Bastin.

In the 1933 FA Cup Final he was part of the Manchester City team that was defeated three goals to nil by Everton who were captained by England international Dixie Dean.

In the 1934–1935 football season Toseland scored five goals and City finished fourth in the league, ten points behind champions Arsenal.

In the 1936–1937 football season Toseland was part of the first Manchester City side to win the League Championship.