Born in Kinglassie, Fife,[3] Bonthrone's playing career centred on his time with a successful East Fife team,[4] although he also played for Dundee, Stirling Albion and for George Farm at Queen of the South.

After retiring as a player, Bonthrone managed East Fife from 1963 until 1969[6][4] before assisting Eddie Turnbull at Aberdeen.

[3][6] Bonthrone was assistant manager when Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup in 1970.

[3][6] He gave Willie Miller his debut, but had to contend with the high-profile departures of Martin Buchan and Joe Harper,[5][6] which effectively broke up the team that had been successful under Turnbull.

[5][4] After leaving Aberdeen, he became commercial manager with East Fife before retiring.