He began his football career with Craghead United, and was briefly on the books of Arsenal before returning to the north-east to play for Chester-le-Street Town.
He made his debut on 26 August 1922 in a 3–1 defeat away to Halifax Town in the Football League Third Division North.
Pringle finished the 1922–23 season as the club's joint leading scorer alongside Tommy Griffiths, though the pair scored only seven goals apiece.
[2][4] His playing style was described as that of "an enthusiastic team man, a hard working forager and provider for others, but never a great shot.
However, Grantham's financial problems meant he stepped down as manager at the start of the 1937–38 season, but stayed with the club as trainer for a further 14 years.