KING, Jimmy (1930)

Overview

Known to the Accies faithful as, King James. He was born in Craigneuk, Wishaw on 16th April 1906. Could play equally well on either of the two extreme wing positions. He was introduced to juvenile football with Carfin Harp by Robbie Donnelly, a former Partick Thistle player. While Jimmy was with them they won every competition they entered that year in 1928 except the Scottish Cup.

He then starred with Carluke Rovers prior to his signature being obtained by Manager Willie McAndrew in 1929. He was chosen to play for the Lanarkshire Junior League versus the Forfar District League. Originally as provisional signing by the club he completed full signing forms on 3rd June 1929. While appearing mainly in Accies reserve side he was in the Scottish Alliance Select which was chosen to play against a Scottish Junior side at Firhill. This was on 18th April 1931.

Originally operated on the left, the advantage of his two footedness was put to use to accommodate Bobby Reid who took over the number 11 jersey with Jimmy crossing over to the right side. He was an able marksman as well with over 80 goals in his 265 League appearances for Accies. He earned a Scottish League place against the Irish League in 1933. This was overshadowed of course by his two full caps, both against the Irish, in 1933, when he scored in a 4-0 win and 1934.

Played in the 1935 Scottish Cup Final for Hamilton against Rangers. Improved terms were offered to him, £4 per week, an increase of £1. By 1937 Bobby Reid was on the left wing and Jimmy had moved to the right and that was his role when a crowd of 28,690 turned up at Douglas Park on a Wednesday afternoon on 3rd March to witness a Scottish Cup tie with Heart of Midlothian.

He was a tremendous servant to the Accies and remained with them until 1939 when Jimmy McStay took him to Alloa to assist in their efforts to stay in the top League, with only five games played war broke out. One of his sons, Johnny, played for the club during the 1960’s at centre forward. Another, Eddie, was signed by Hibernian while an inside left with Wishaw Juniors, while Jimmy junior turned out as a junior with Douglasdale Juniors, Bellshill Athletic and Royal Albert.

Jimmy died in Law Hospital on 18th July 1985 at the age of 79, after a long illness.

5’6” and 10sts 2lbs.

Debut on 4th January 1930 in a Scottish League match at home to Hibernian.

Scottish League 265 Appearances 85 Goals

Scottish Cup 24 Appearances 10 Goals

Lanarkshire Cup 9 Appearances 1 Goal

Accies Career

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