Tommy Wilson was a wandering amateur who saw service with a host of clubs prior to his arrival at Leeds City in December 1906. He began playing in the Lancashire leagues and turned out for Fishwick Ramblers, Ashton-in-Makerfield, West Manchester, Ashton Town, Ashton North End and Oldham County. He signed for Swindon Town of the Southern League in May 1897 before being taken on by Blackburn Rovers in May 1898. Again his stay was short and he returned to Swindon in 1899. His regular moves continued as he spent time with Millwall Athletic, Aston Villa, London Caledonians, Queens Park Rangers and Kensal Rise Athletic between 1900 and 1904. He was given an England trial in 1901. Wilson joined Bolton Wanderers in May 1904 and was part of their Second Division promotion success in 1905.

On 10 December 1906, Wilson's wander lust took him to Leeds City, with the Leeds Mercury observing, 'He is a smart forward, a good shot and centres with rare judgement, although rather on the small side.'

His debut came five days after his signing, in a 6-1 thrashing of Stockport County. Flaneur in the Mercury: 'Wilson showed trickiness, which would have been more effective on a dry turf, but during the second half he was suffering from lameness, and could not do himself justice.' He was a regular to the end of the season, scoring twice in 20 League appearances.

Wilson lost his place when Leeds City signed Fred Croot in the summer of 1907 and he joined Manchester United in February 1908. He ended his playing days with a spell at Queens Park Rangers, before becoming Chorley manager in 1912.

After the war he took over as Rochdale chairman in October 1919 and then combined the role with being manager until February 1923.

He married the daughter of an Oldham licensee and became a publican himself in Bolton after he retired from playing.

Wilson died in Blackpool on 30 August 1940.