[1] Born in Poplar, London, Bigden began his footballing career aged 13 with Old St Lukes where he remained until the beginning of the 1899–1900 season when he joined local team, Thames Ironworks.

Described as a hard working half-back he played 11 times in the Southern League and twice in the FA Cup for the Ironworks.

Bigden joined Gravesend United where he played 26 games scoring a single goal.

West Ham re-signed him for the 1901–02 season making his debut on 7 September 1901 in a 2–0 away defeat of Bristol Rovers.

Now playing back in the Southern League, Bigden made only four appearances for Southend before his footballing career ended.