Wilson played for Exeter City in the Plymouth and District League before the club turned professional in 1908. Like several players of the time he was in the army and stationed locally. 

A so-called “battery man” based at Topsham Barracks he had also appeared for Exmouth United when, in a season which saw forty-two players appear in the first-team, he made a goalscoring debut against Torpoint on 5 January 1907.

He subsequently appeared twice more for Exeter City in February 1907.