Bert (Robert) appeared for various clubs in the Glasgow area including Partick Avondale from where he joined Norwich City in 1953 at the age of twenty-two. Always a reserve at Carrow Road, he made five league appearances before moving to Southern league Bedford Town after two seasons. Returning to the Football League with Gillingham in 1956/57, he made a solitary league appearance ahead of moving to Port Vale in July 1957 for whom he featured in 29 league games during the 1957/58 campaign.

Losing his place towards the end of the season, Bert left Vale Park in August 1958 to sign for Exeter City. With the Grecians chasing promotion from the new Division Four, Bert was unable to force his way in the first-team and had to be content with playing for the reserves in the Southern League. He also appeared in the Devon Professional Championship (the forerunner of the Devon Bowl) and scored twice in the 6-0 win against Plymouth Argyle in April 1959 on a day when City's first-team were away at Crystal Palace. 

Leaving St James' Park in August 1959, Bert moved back into non-league football with Burton Albion and is believed to have lived in the Bedford area until his death in 1998.