 Born in Seaton Delaval, Wake began his career playing local football for Bigges Colliery before turning professional to join Newcastle United in 1919.He moved on to Cardiff City in 1923, making his debut in February 1924 in a 1–1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.In 1925 he was a major part of the team that reached the final of the 1925 FA Cup, playing in all of the club's seven games leading up to the final.