McLUCKIE, James (1928)

Overview

Born in Stonehouse, 2nd April 1908. A left half eventually who operated at inside right when he came to Hamilton. An unusual signing in that he was attached to East of Scotland junior side, Tranent, with whom he had been capped for Scotland, when Willie McAndrew persuaded him that his future lay at Douglas Park in 1928.

It would appear that his family must have moved to the east of Scotland as he was capped as a schoolboy in 1922 as an Under 14 versus England and Wales as a representative of Edinburgh Schools. The critics said that on his debut he played as well as could be expected. An outstanding player who was skilled in all that he did.

His move to Manchester City did not come as a great surprise as it was felt that he would move elsewhere and together with Alex Herd he went to Maine Road in 1933. His time at Manchester was shorter than had been anticipated when a fee of £6,500 was sufficient to allow him to go to Aston Villa in December 1934. A month earlier he had been chosen as reserve for the Scotland side to George Brown of Rangers for the match against Wales.

His best times in England were to come and when he joined Ipswich Town in July 1936 he went on to become captain there, the first professional to do so and he was quite inspirational in his work. Jimmy was a member of the Ipswich Town side which appeared in the club’s first ever match in the English League on 27th August 1938 when a crowd of 19,242 witnessed a 4-2 home win over Southend United.

During hostilities he turned out with, Norwich City, Southend United, Clapton Orient and Queen’s Park Rangers. By the end of World War Two he was ready to move again and it was to Clacton Town where he took over as player/manager in July 1947. He ceased his playing days in 1949.

Jimmy was 5’7” and 11sts 4lbs at the peak of his playing days when he was chosen to play for his country in1934 against Wales. It was once said that he headed the ball as often as he kicked it, the fact that he was bald headed may have been behind that statement.

His death was announced in Edinburgh in November 1986.

Debut on 15th September 1928 in a Scottish League match away to Dundee.

Scottish League 106 Appearances 16 Goals

Scottish Cup 9 Appearances 2 Goals

Lanarkshire Cup 2 Appearances

Accies Career

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