Within days of being signed, he made his first-team debut when he took the place of the injured Willie Haines for the match at Oldham Athletic on 9 February 1929, which ended as a 3–1 defeat. Vernon retained his place for the next four matches without scoring before being replaced by Archie Waterston.[2]
His Southampton career ended shortly afterwards when he was posted by the R.A.F. to the Far East. On his return from active service, he joined Wycombe Wanderers of the Isthmian League, although Southampton retained his Football League registration. During his one season at Wycombe, they finished third in the league but won the FA Amateur Cup,[3] defeating Hayes 1–0 in the final, played at the Arsenal Stadium.[4]