 Slater made his Blackpool debut on 10 September 1949, in a goalless draw at Aston Villa.As an inside-forward, he competed with Allan Brown for the number 10 position for the majority of his time at the seaside.After finishing college, in December 1951 he moved to Brentford where he made 8 appearances and then, in August 1952, joined Wolverhampton Wanderers as a part-time professional.