Walsall Swifts Aldridge started his career as a youth player at hometown club
Walsall Swifts, where he spent six seasons (five as a youth player and one as a senior player). He played in nine
FA Cup ties and scored one goal, in a third round win over
Mitchell St George's in January 1885.
West Bromwich Albion In March 1886 Aldridge moved to
West Bromwich Albion where he earned his first cap for
England in a
British Home Championship match against
Ireland in Belfast.
Walsall Town Swifts Despite his cup heroics, Aldridge moved back to the newly merged
Walsall Town Swifts during that summer. He played in 13 matches in the Midland Association for the "Saddlers" in 1888–89
Aston Villa In August 1889 Aldridge joined
Aston Villa, where he made 17 appearances in the
Football League as Villa finished eighth. His club and League debut was on 7 September 1889 at
Wellington Road, Perry Barr, when
Burnley were the visitors. The
Cricket and Football Field of 7 September reported on the match. It was 1–1 at half-time and 2–2 at full-time. Aldridge played at
left-back. Aldridge got a couple of mentions as he did some good defensive work. His last match was on 28 December 1889 when Villa travelled to the
County Ground, Derby. Aldridge played in a less familiar position,
right-back. Aston Villa lost 5–0. The "poor health" referred to in Matthews' book meant he missed the rest of the season. Villa kept Aldridge on the books until April 1891, a few months before he died. ==Death==