 He moved to Cowdenbeath in 1939, but signed for Dundee United under wartime conditions.He was influential in the club's unexpected progress to the final of the Emergency War Cup at Hampden Park, when he led the side following an injury to captain Jerry Kerr (United lost 1-0 to Rangers).That was the only season he played for United, but he was invited to join the board in 1942 and after the abrupt departure of manager Jimmy Allan in October of that year, he was asked by fellow directors to take over.