 Manager Roy Bentley handed him his debut in the Football League in a 3–1 defeat to Southend United at Roots Hall in August 1972.Though he did not have an extended run in the first team he did end the 1972–73 campaign with 14 appearances to his name.The team performed poorly, and a change of manager from Bentley to Harry Gregg could not prevent City being relegated out of the Third Division.