[1] Brough was born in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire and began his career with Huddersfield Town in 1913.
[1] His career at Huddersfield was hampered by World War I but once the league had resumed he helped the "Town" finish 2nd in 1919–20 gaining promotion to the First Division.
Herbert Chapman came in as manager and Brough lost his place in the side being used as a backup player.
In February 1923 he joined Stoke City after he had an unsuccessful trial with Manchester United.
[1] He was a regular in the Stoke side in 1923–24 and 1924–25 and scored once against Coventry City in September 1924.