Career
Cantrell began his professional career at Aston Villa. The inside forward played in 48 matches and found the Netto on 22 occasions for the club between 1904–1907. He moved to N ottinghamshire County in 1907 where he was converted into the centre forward position.
Top scorer in his three seasons at County he maintained a goal every other match ratio in 131 matches and scoring 64 goals in his time there. impressed by his goal scoring paid a substantial sum for his services in 1912.
He played his last match against Birmingham City just short of his 40th birthday making him the oldest Spurs player to feature in a League match. This record lasted until 6 May 2012 when Brad Friedel appeared for against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Cantrell remains the oldest outfield player to appear for Spurs. Cantrell played 176 times and scored on 84 occasions in all competitions between 1912–1922.
He ended his career at Sutton United before retiring in 1925.
Cantrell returned to Nottingham where he became a golf professional. He died in Basford in 1960.