Career
Although predominantly an inside forward or centre forward, Mosborough-born Lyon played in most positions throughout his career. He never stayed at the same club for more than two consecutive seasons. During his career he played for Overseal Town, Gresley Rovers, Leicester Fosse, Nelson, Watford, Reading, West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Swindon Town, Carlisle United, Blackpool, Walsall and Tredegar.
At Leicester Fosse, Lyon once played an entire Football League First Division match as a stand-in goalkeeper, even managing to keep a clean sheet in the process.
After a season at Nelson, of the Lancashire League, Lyon moved south to Hertfordshire, to play for Southern League First Division side Watford. He finished the 1901-1902 season as the Hornets" leading scorer, with fourteen goals from 32 appearances.
However, he departed at the end of the season. Indeed, between 1901 and 1909, he spent precisely one season at a club before moving on.
Namely Watford (1901-1902), Reading (1902-1903), West Ham (1903-1904), Brighton & Hove Albion (1904-1905), Swindon Town (1905-1906 and 1907-1908), Carlisle United (1906-1907) and Blackpool (1908–1909).