Wilson was born in 1894 in
Edinburgh and lived at McLeod Street, close to
Tynecastle Park; he was a Hearts supporter in childhood. and represented
Scotland at that level in two matches. He was signed by Hearts in 1912, aged 18, alongside
Paddy Crossan who became a lodger at the Wilson family home. Wilson was called up to join his unit. From then on he made occasional appearances for Hearts when possible and also had a spell as a guest player for
Leeds City. Wilson moved on to second-tier
Cowdenbeath and in his
first season helped them to gain promotion. His top-level career thus resumed, as
Cowden achieved an all-time high league placing of fifth in
1924–25 and retained their divisional status up to Wilson's final season,
1928–29 (and for several years beyond). ==International career==