Born in Shibden, he started his career in 1886 at Bradford Rugby Club playing at either full back or centre three quarter before moving to the club from Heckmondwike where he gained his only cap for England against the New Zealand Natives in 1889, scoring one try, and one conversion for five points.

1902 saw Sutcliffe at Southern League Millwall Athletic before moving on in 1903 to Manchester United where he played 28 games.

He joined Plymouth Argyle in January 1905 and by the end of the season had become the club's first choice goalkeeper.

"[3] In more than seven years with the club, he made 214 appearances in league competition and four in the FA Cup.

He returned to England after the First World War to work for Bradford City as a coach.