born in stafford, hulme usually played as a right-winger. hulme played for stafford ymca before starting his career in non-league football with midland league side york city in october 1922, before moving to blackburn rovers in february 1924 for a fee of £250. he spent two years at ewood park and made 74 league appearances, scoring six goals. he moved to arsenal in 1926, becoming one of herbert chapman's first major signings; known for his pace and ball control, hulme spent twelve years at arsenal and became part of the great arsenal side of the 1930s.