Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Sale had two spells at his home town club, Stoke City, amassing 483 appearances, either side of a two-year stint at Blackburn Rovers.

By the 1932–33 season, Sale had established himself as a prominent member of the team, helping Stoke win the Second Division with 11 goals in 21 appearances.

[3][6] Bob McGrory, Mather's successor as Stoke manager, sold Tommy Sale to Blackburn Rovers in March 1936, for the sum of £6,000.

This surprised supporters at the time, however McGory had confidence in Freddie Steele, who he had earmarked as a potential replacement for Sale.

Following his departure from Stoke, Sale had two spells at Northwich Victoria and Hednesford Town before announcing his retirement in 1949, at the age of 39.