The son of an Irish-born colliery worker, Mike was playing for County Durham village side Bearpark when he signed as a professional with Bolton Wanderers in 1931 at the age of 23. Having featured in 13 matches for the Lancashire club, he moved to Reading in 1933 where he made 15 Third Division (South) appearances.  

Signing for Exeter City in the summer of 1936 the full-back made his debut at Reading against his old club on 16 September 1936, the first of 23 league games he was to play during his solitary season at St James Park. 

Moving back to the North East to sign for Darlington in 1937, he had two busy seasons appearing in 74 league matches before spending a single campaign with York City.