 His first-team debut came on 12 March 1932, when he took the place of Adams at right-back for the game against Bradford City, with Adams moving to the left in the absence of Arthur Roberts; the match was lost 1–0.Thomas retained his place for the next seven matches, before Charlie Sillett took over at left-back.Thomas remained with the Saints for another two years, although he never made another first-team appearance, but was confined to the reserves, for whom he made 83 appearances.