A defender, he enjoyed a lengthy playing career, the tail end of which was interrupted by World War II.
He played for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stourbridge, Mansfield Town, Port Vale, Brentford, and Plymouth Argyle.
[1] Playing for Teversal Colliery, he had an unsuccessful trial at Mansfield Town, before moving on to Stanton Hill Victoria.
He remained at Griffin Park for a decade, making 157 appearances, though like many players of his era, the Second World War shortened his career, though he represented Brentford in the non-competitive wartime competitions.
[9] He managed the club in the Kent Football League for three successful seasons, before departing in May 1950; the supporters' association chairman stated that "his genial personality, his wealth of football knowledge, and his aptitude to make friends had played a tremendously important part in the town club's success".
In January 1957, Poyser joined Manchester City as assistant to Les McDowall,[11] with a reputation for being a talented scout.
[14] He made three key signings in Derek Kevan, Jimmy Murray, and Johnny Crossan, whilst promoting home-grown talent in Alan Oakes and Glyn Pardoe – both of whom went on to build long careers at the club.
In January 1965, the club reached a low point with their lowest ever league attendance of 8,015 against Swindon Town.