Burkinshaw had guested for a number of South Yorkshire clubs during First World War football, before starting his full career at South Shields in 1919. He played just two games at South Shields during the club's first season in Division Two before having brief spells at Northampton Town and Gainsborough Trinity. In November 1920 he signed for Bury where he spent nearly five years, including 13 games in Division One during his 1924–25 benefit season.
