He later joined the village's stronger club, Renton F.C., scoring twice for them in their 6–1 win over Cambuslang in the 1888 Scottish Cup Final,[1][2] and twice more in the unofficial Football World Championship match against West Bromwich Albion.

[3][4] A year later he moved to England and played in the Football League for Bolton Wanderers (four seasons, including an FA Cup semi-final in 1890)[5] and Newcastle United[6] (one season, after a brief return to Renton),[7] followed by two years with Gateshead NER in the Northern Alliance.

He joined Southern League side West Hertfordshire in October 1897; they subsequently renamed as Watford at the end of the season.

In April 1901, he played one match for Southampton in the Wessex League, but was not offered a contract.

In August 1901, he joined Fulham for their promotion season from Southern League Division Two.