Brittan began his professional career with English First Division club Chelsea during the 1913–1914 season.
When World War I began in 1914, Brittan was called into the British Army, serving three and a half years.
[3] Brittan signed with Bethlehem Steel of the National Association Football League (NAFBL) at the end of the 1919–1920 season, playing only one game, but scoring the lone goal, in a 1–0 victory over Brooklyn Robins Dry Dock.
[5] Bethlehem rebuffed Chelsea and Brittan led the Steel Men to a six-point margin of victory in the league standings.
The reasons for this move remain unknown but some suspect the two brothers wanted to capitalize on the greater population of Philadelphia to provide a financial base for their team.
In September 1922, Brittan signed with the Fall River after team owner Sam Mark purchased his contract from the Lewis brothers.
[7] When Brittan arrived in Fall River, he was also given coaching duties in addition to his playing responsibilities.
[11] Apparently, Brittan had become a successful local businessman, owning an automobile dealership, and did not want to move to Providence.
In the spring of 1927, Brittan decided to return to the field, this time back with Fall River While the 'Marksmen' finished third in the league, they won the 1927 National Challenge Cup, defeating Detroit Holley Carburetor F.C.
After retiring from soccer, Brittan was treasurer of the Fall River Motor Car Company.
[15] Brittan was later accused of stealing three cars from a Brookline, Massachusetts automobile firm and was a fugitive until his arrest in New York City on 1 May 1934.