Robert Hulse began his career at his home club of Crewe Alexander in 1999. During the 1999/2000 season after he recovered from a back injury he was loaned to Hyde Untited and in the 11 appearances he made there he scored 9 goals. On his return to Crewe his next three seasons were successful in the first team before moving on to West Bromwich Albion in 2003. In his time at West Bromwich his chances to prove himself were limited and in the final 3 months of the 04/05 campaigne he joined Leeds on loan before his 1.1million pound permanent transfer.