[2] With the Swifts a man short, Heath convinced Eccles to turn out for them instead, he played at half-back and impressed enough to be offered terms.
Following this obvious exploit of the rules the League scrapped the test match system in favour of automatic promotion and relegation.
[2] Eccles' partnership with the equally rugged but more skilful Tom Robertson was a major factor in Stoke's progression to the semi-final of the FA Cup in 1898–99.
[2] Despite been often found wanting at the highest level Eccles was awarded a benefit game against Manchester City in September 1898 for his fine service to Stoke.
He spent the 1901–02 season with Burslem Port Vale's reserve side, but returned to Stoke in the summer of 1902, becoming club trainer.