Stiffle played 15 times for Ashton United between March and September 1951. He had been earlier been playing for Chester Reserves in the Cheshire League. In September 1951 he signed for Crystal Palace for £100 transfer fee from Ashton, but by December he had returned to Chester. After seven appearances for Chester's first team he was signed by Altrincham in 1952. He played 72 times for Altrincham before being signed by Chesterfield in March 1954. He stayed at Chesterfield until May 1955, playing 38 times.
