While at Villa, he won five First Division titles (in 1893–94, 1895–96, 1896–97, 1898–99 and 1899–1900) and two FA Cup winners medals (1895 and 1897, after being a beaten finalist in 1892) and played 354 times in all;[2] he is considered to be one of the finest players of the Victorian era.

[3] Controversy dogged him after a disappointing performance in a defeat England in 1898, in which he was the Scottish captain; it emerged that he had not been fit to play through illness (possibly alcohol-related),[4][5] and both the player and the selection committee were heavily criticised in the press for failing to replace him before the match began.

After retiring from playing in 1902, he coached the young players at Villa for a few years before deciding to accept the role of manager of Queens Park Rangers in 1907.

In his initial season he led them to the Southern League title and held Manchester United to a fine 1-1 draw in the Charity Shield.

On one occasion he missed a Villa match due to his attending (and winning) the illustrious 100 yard New Year Sprint event held at Powderhall.