During his professional career from 1930 to 1943 he represented West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United, Morris Commercial and made one appearance for the England national team.
[2][3] As a youth he played football for Tantany Athletic, Overend Wesley, Birmingham Carriage Works and Smethwick Highfield.
In October 1929, while still an amateur, he joined West Bromwich Albion, the club that his uncle Abe Jones had represented between 1896 and 1901.
[4][5] Sandford turned professional in May 1930 and scored on his senior debut in November of the same year when Albion beat Preston North End 3–2 in a Division Two match.
During his first season, he was part of the Albion side that won promotion to the First Division and that also beat Birmingham 2–1 in the 1931 FA Cup Final.