Steve Burtenshaw started off his playing days in 1952 featuring as a wing half for Brighton & Hove Albion. At Albion, he won the Third Division South title in 1957-58. He lifted the Fourth Division title in 1964-65 with the Seagulls. Altogether he played 237 games in the league for Brighton & Hove.
After his playing days came to an end Burtenshaw became a coach at Brighton.