Odell took 100 wickets in a season for the first time in 1903 and repeated the feat in the next two seasons. His total of 112 wickets in 1904 was the best of his career and his batting improved markedly that season as well, with his 574 runs at an average of 17.39 being his best aggregate of runs in any one season. In 1906 he failed to reach 100 wickets, but his eight for 20 for Leicestershire against MCC at Lord's was the best innings return of his career. He was back over 100 wickets in 1907, and for the only time in his career he took more than 100 for Leicestershire; the bowling average of 17.72 was the best in his career. He was less successful in 1908, his total number of wickets falling to 74, and after the season was over a short notice in "The Times" announced that “owing to business engagements Mr. W. W. Odell will not be able to play for Leicestershire next season except during holidays". That proved true: Odell appeared only against the Australians in 1909, not at all in 1910 and 1911, only in Thomas Jayes’ benefit match in 1912, and then only occasional matches in his last two seasons.