 Such displays also earned him a call-up to the England squad in a tour to Australia.However, in 1929, he was to leave the club after a disagreement with the officials over wages and a testimonial match.This was to be the end of his playing days as he decided to turn down the chance to join North-east rivals Middlesbrough and set up a sports shop in Newcastle upon Tyne, as he vowed 'never to kick a ball again'.