Born in Penistone, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, he began his career as an amateur playing for his local church team.
After a spell in Huddersfield Town's reserves, he signed as a professional for Sheffield United, for whom he played over 100 times and won an FA Cup winners medal in 1925.
[2] It was not until established centre back Jimmy Waugh suffered a serious injury in December 1924 that King was given the opportunity to make regular starts.
[3][4] Like many other defenders King found the changes to the offside law for the 1925–26 season difficult to adapt to, but retained his place until 1927 when the club signed Vince Matthews.
[2] King was sold to Oldham Athletic for £400 in May 1929 where he made 91 league appearances before his contract was cancelled in February 1932 following an injury.