Broad was born in Stalybridge and after playing youth football with various clubs, he had an unsuccessful trial with Manchester City in 1904.
[2] In September 1905, he signed his first professional contract with West Bromwich Albion where he made 14 league and cup appearances before joining Chesterfield in February 1908.
At the end of Broad's first season at Boundary Park, the "Latics" were promoted to the First Division as runners-up to Manchester City.
After three years with Oldham, during which he made over 140 first-team appearances, Broad was on the move again, this time back to the Second Division with Bristol City.
Broad remained with the Ashton Gate club until after the First World War, making over 110 appearances,[1][3][4] before again returning to Lancashire and the First Division, with Manchester City.