Abbott was born in Small Heath, Birmingham, and began his football career with his local club.

While at Everton he won his only cap for England, on 3 March 1902 in a goalless draw against Wales at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham.

He scored twice during the 9–0 win against Crystal Palace in the second round of the FA Cup, and netted the only goal of the game as Burnley won away at Clapton Orient on 27 March 1909.

[5] Abbott scored five goals in the opening seven matches of the 1909–10 season, and netted his first Burnley hat-trick in the 4–2 defeat of Wolverhampton Wanderers on 13 November 1909.

Abbott made his last appearance for the Clarets in the 1–1 draw with Leicester Fosse on 23 April 1910, having played a total of 65 league and cup matches during his two years at Turf Moor.