 Hadley was born in Barrow-in-Furness and joined Halesowen in 1895 from Colley Gate United.In February 1897 he joined West Bromwich Albion where he established himself at wing-half.He won a Second Division title medal with the Baggies in 1902 and in February 1903 won his only England cap in the 4–0 win against Ireland at Molineux.