Career
Born in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, Simpson started his career with Parkhouse Colliery where he also worked as a miner. In January 1948, he signed for Cheshire County League side Buxton, also returning to face work at Parkhouse Colliery. In 1948, he suffered a fall in the mine and was crushed causing a severe back injury which curtailed his football career.
After retiring from full-time football, he worked for North East Derbyshire District Council as a driver until retirement.
He died on 1 May 2010 in Matlock, Derbyshire at the age of 86.