He was signed as understudy and potential successor to England goalkeeper Harry Hibbs, but played only five first-team matches – as the youngest goalkeeper in the First Division – before the Second World War interrupted his career. During the war he served in the 6th Armoured Division in North Africa and Italy, but when he returned to his club, future England international Gil Merrick had established himself as first-choice goalkeeper. Wheeler played six matches in the renamed Birmingham City's Second Division championship-winning 1947–48 season when Merrick was injured, but before the next season started he was transferred to Huddersfield Town.