Career
Born in Bridgeton, Glasgow, Greenlees started his professional career with nearby Street Mirren where he gained a reputation as "one of the best half-backs in Scotland". In May 1899, Greenlees moved to southern England to join Southern League champions Southampton. He made his debut for the "Saints" at The Dell, taking the place of Samuel Meston at right-half for a 5–1 victory over Queen"s Park Rangers on 21 October 1899.
Greenlees was never able to command a regular place in the Southampton line-up and was used as an under-study for fellow-Scots Meston, Peter Meehan and Bob Petrie, making a total of eight appearances.
After one season on the south coast, Greenlees returned to Scotland and re-joined Street Mirren in the 1900 close-season. Greenlees represented the Scottish League once, in 1904.
He returned to Southampton in 1908 and settled in the Shirley Warren area of the town.