Gordon Clydesdale was born on May 28, 1938 in Scotland. He started his career with Renfrew as a junior. He had a short spell with Scottish First Division club St. Mirren in the 1958-59 season.
The inside left impressed on the wing for Renfrew in the Central League in the 1959-60 season and was signed by Dumbarton on December 15, 1959. He continued his progress with the Scottish League Second Division club and scored five goals in six games for Dumbarton during the 1959-60 season.
22 years old he decided to emigrate to Canada and signed for Olympia-Harmonie in Toronto in June 1960. Despite that the club imported a number of new players they finished in a lowly tenth place finish in the 13-team National Soccer League.
In December 1960 Gordon was signed by Australian club Auburn. The inside forward signed a three-year contract with the club that were members of the New South Wales State League.
He arrived in Australia on January 4, 1961 and stayed with the club until 1962.