Career
Kirtley made his debut for Sunderland on April 16, 1949 in a 1–1 tie against Manchester City at Maine Road. In his career at Sunderland, he made 101 appearances and scored 18 goals during 1948 to 1955. From Sunderland he moved to Cardiff City where he scored 4 goals in 38 appearances in one season.
He then returned to the North East with Gateshead, he played 96 times and scored 14 goals up to leaving in 1960.
He had a short stint with Welsh side Rhyl before retiring, and settled in Rhyl afterwards.
