[5] He had to wait until 7 December 1929 for his professional debut, which came in a 2–2 draw with Aston Villa at St James' Park.
[7] Wilson signed for newly promoted First Division club Brentford in June 1935 and made 23 appearances during the 1935–36 season.
[5][8] He gradually fell out of the first team picture over the following three seasons and departed Griffin Park in August 1939.
[8] Wilson transferred Third Division South club Reading in August 1939, but his career was brought to a halt after just three appearances by the outbreak of the Second World War the following month.
[5] Wilson's son Carl also became a professional footballer and played for Newcastle United, Gateshead, Doncaster Rovers, Millwall and Sparta Rotterdam.