Billy Clarkson began his career as a full-back but was converted to outside-left at Burnley, when he understudied former Southport player and England International Eddie Mosscrop. He served with the Royal Artillery during the Great War when he guested for Brentford. He appeared in 82 out of 84 games for Rotherham County—a forerunner of Rotherham United—and was also a regular at Luton Town where he was said to be speedy and have wonderful ball control. He vied with Billy Kettle for the left wing berth at Southport. His career ended when he broke a leg with Scunthorpe. He worked as a commission agent in later life. Following an exhaustive search, it would appear that his birth was never registered, although there are indications that it occurred in Padiham in the latter half of 1891.