 Carnaby made his first-team debut when he replaced Affleck for the match at Tottenham Hotspur on Christmas Eve, 1938 (the day before his 25th birthday).Carnaby retained his place at centre-half for the next five matches, including a 4–1 defeat at non-league Chelmsford City in the FA Cup.After Affleck's return, Carnaby was switched to right-half for four matches, replacing Ray Parkin.