 He turned professional in May 1926 and made his debut on 25 August 1928, playing at right-back in a 1–1 draw with Leicester City at Old Trafford.In six years at United, Dale made 64 appearances for the club, before joining Manchester City in December 1931.He had a six-year career in the blue of Manchester City, appearing 236 times, winning the 1937 FA Charity Shield against Sunderland.