Career
Armitage started his professional career with Burnley, who he joined in May 1924. He made his league debut for the Clarets on 4 October 1924 in the 0–1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion at Turf Moor. He went on to make 27 league appearances in his first season with the club
He continued to play regularly during the following campaign and scored his first senior goal on 1 January 1926 in the 3–1 away victory over Newcastle United.
In May 1926, Armitage joined Oldham Athletic and played 90 league games for the club in three seasons before moving to Southend United at the end of the 1928-1929 campaign. He spent one season with Southend, scoring three goals in nine appearances.
He ended his career with Northampton Town and retired from football in 1931.