 Last-ditch clearances were an important part of his game, but on occasion worked to his detriment; his tally of 10 own goals is a Manchester City record.His playing days at City ended when he joined Crewe Alexandra at the end of the 1961–62 season and he played two seasons for the Cheshire side, adding another 48 appearances to his career total before leaving for Ashton United in the summer of 1964.He played one season with Ashton in the Midlands League before retiring from playing altogether.