Astley spent his early career in the North- west, playing twice for Southport before spending a couple of seasons for Shelbourne in the Irish League. He was brought back by Harry Curtis of Brentford and impressed in their 2nd Division side.
Unable to hold his place in the Bees' 1st Division side, Harry Storer swooped and signed Astley in February 1936 from under the nose of Newport County. Whilst at City, Astley never missed a game and set up a fine full back partnership with Walter Metcalf, proving to be a constructive full back who helped the club to the brink of Division 1. During the war, Astley became an officer in the Army and remained in the services rather than return to football once hostilities had ended. He eventually returned to Coventry to live. Off the field, Astley was as stylish as on it, often being seen in Plus Fours!
