West played as a defender for Barnsley, Don and Dearne Boys, but when accompanying a friend to a trial with Blackpool decided to try out as a goalkeeper.

[2] After 33 League games for the Tangerines, he signed for Everton in March 1962 for £27,000, then a British record for a goalkeeper,[2] replacing Albert Dunlop.

[1] He became the club's first-choice goalkeeper for more than ten years, forming a partnership with central defender and captain, Brian Labone.

He turned down a place in the 1970 FIFA World Cup squad because he wanted to stay at home with his family.

[7] His funeral was attended by Martin Buchan, Colin Harvey, Dave Hickson, John Hurst, Cliff Marshall, Peter Reid, George Telfer, Derek Temple, Tommy Wright and former player and manager Joe Royle, along with former chairman Sir Philip Carter, who paid tribute at the service.