Born in
Glasgow, Bonnyman played for Anniesland Waverley, before being signed to
Rangers by
Jock Wallace. In his first full season at Carlisle he side suffered
relegation to the
Third Division. He spent five seasons at
Brunton Park making 176 appearances scoring 33 goals before moving to Third Division rivals
Chesterfield in March 1980 after being signed on
transfer deadline day by
manager Arthur Cox. He became a popular player at
Saltergate for his performances for the club. He spent three seasons there making 124 appearances scoring 29 goals. He helped the club to win the
Anglo-Scottish Cup in its final year, 1981, with a 2–1 victory over
Notts County. Chesterfield's financial problems saw him move on to Second Division
Grimsby Town in August 1982. At Grimsby, Bonnyman became a regular under
Dave Booth until he resigned in October 1985. Bonnyman then went out on
loan to
Stoke City where he played seven matches in
1985–86. He returned to Grimsby where he played one more season before linking up with Dave Booth at
Darlington. After two seasons a Darlington he left to become player/
coach at
Dunfermline Athletic. ==Style of play==