[2][3] McInnes scored 68 goals from 246 appearances in the Football League playing as a forward for Nottingham Forest and Lincoln City.

[7] He was part of the Forest team that won the 1898 FA Cup Final, defeating favourites Derby County 3–1.

[8] According to The Times, Forest "playing a remarkably fine game, went near to outclassing Derby County" in "an upset of public form".

[9] McInnes remained with Forest for seven seasons in all, scoring 58 goals from 185 appearances in the League and FA Cup.

[10][11] During his time with Forest, McInnes attracted the attention of the Scotland national football team selectors.