Born in the Tollcross area of Glasgow,[2] Harris began his senior career with Partick Thistle, whom he joined from Vale of Clyde F.C.
He spent seven seasons with Partick, "guesting" for Distillery and Fulham during World War I[3] before joining Newcastle United for £3,300 in May 1920.
He was a regular scorer in Newcastle's FA Cup campaigns and scored a total of 14 goals in 20 appearances in that competition.
[2] Harris spent one year in charge of Burton then moved to former side Distillery in a purely managerial capacity.
Due to the impending war, he was originally only offered a year's contract but, after negotiation, this was extended to end in March 1941.