He was a journeyman player of some repute, playing as an inside-forward, and had spells with West Midlands teams Witton Albion, Darlaston Town and Wednesbury Old Athletic.
Within one season he was promoted to chief trainer and his initial association with Coventry lasted seven years, during which time he produced a number of young players for their Southern League team.
Engaged as trainer, under secretary Ernest Arnfield who acted as "manager", McIntyre faced the difficult task of restoring the Saints to their former success in the Southern League.
In March 1922, just as Saints fans were confident of gaining promotion, McIntyre shocked them by announcing a four player transfer with wingers Fred Foxall and Joe Barratt moving to Birmingham in exchange for Jack Elkes (a forward) and George Getgood (a half-back).
The following season was frustrating for the Saints who seemed to have lost the ability to score goals and, in December 1924 McIntyre suddenly resigned as manager and moved to Edinburgh to run an hotel.
His departure took the directors by surprise – they announced that the board would take over the manager's job for the rest of the season, with help from secretary George Goss.
McIntyre acquired several players from his former club, Southampton, with Bill Fraser, Arthur Haddleton and Bert Jepson moving to Craven Cottage in June 1932, followed by Mike Keeping and Johnny Arnold in February 1933, for a combined fee of £5,000.
Fulham's high hopes for the 1933–34 season were never fulfilled; supporters blamed this on the shock transfer of top scorer Frank Newton to Reading in September and his replacement with the £2,500 signing of Arsenal's veteran striker Jack Lambert, who failed to make any impact.