furnell started his career at his local club burnley, signing at the age of 17. as third-choice keeper he only played twice in eight seasons at turf moor, before being signed by liverpool in february 1962. furnell immediately took the no. 1 jersey at liverpool, playing all 13 of the club's remaining matches that seasons, as they won a second division title and promotion to the first division. however, after breaking his finger in a training ground accident early in the 1962-63 season, he lost his place to tommy lawrence. he played two matches in 1963-64 before being sold to arsenal for £15,000 in november 1963.