MORGAN, James (1932)

Overview

Signed from Arthurlie Juniors. He had joined them from Springburn United in July 1931. On August 1st he was in goal for Arthurlie when they played their first ever match as a junior side when they beat Yoker Athletic 5-4 at Dunterlie Park, Barrhead.

With Eddie Wright injured he came in as reserve and it was reported that he performed well. He played for Accies in the 1935 Cup Final against Rangers when Peter Shevlin received an injury. In the first minute of the game, Jackie Cox gave away a penalty and Jimmy saved it and went on to give a marvellous display despite Accies losing.

In March 1937 he was in goal when Heart of Midlothian came to fulfil their Scottish Cup tie at Hamilton. In a packed ground, 28,690 were inside to set up the record attendance, the boys in red and white triumphed by 2-1 after being a goal down at half time. He was picked as reserve keeper for the Scottish League eleven to meet the South of Ireland side in Dublin on 17th March 1938 and again in 1939 for the fixture in Belfast versus the Irish League.

With the Second World War barely weeks old, Accies met Airdrieonians in the Final of the Lanarkshire Cup at Broomfield and won 5-1, Jimmy was a member of the side. During season 1939-40 he turned out at outside right in a match at Paisley. In October 1941, York City were given permission to sign him if required.

Jimmy reached the rank of Flying Officer in the RAF and was attached to Coastal Command. In August 1944, when returning from a routine patrol over the Bay of Biscay, his aircraft was observed to pitch into the sea in the Bristol Channel. Of the crew of ten, only the pilot survived. The cause of the accident was never discovered. He had volunteered in March 1941 and was called up the following August. He did his preliminary training in England and then went to Canada for flying experience.

He will be remembered as one of the great Accies keepers of all time. Jimmy was born at Dunaskin and when with Accies he stood at 5’8” and tipped the scales at 11sts 10lbs.

Debut on 14th September 1932 in a Scottish League fixture at Kilmarnock.

Scottish League 156 Appearances (15 Clean Sheets)

Scottish Cup 11 Appearances (1 Clean Sheet)

Western League 19 Appearances (3 Clean Sheets)

Summer Cup 7 Appearances

Southern League 33 Appearances

Summer League Cup 7 Appearances

Lanarkshire Cup 6 Appearances (1 Clean Sheet)

Accies Career

Links and References

- Read the fans' memories, or add your own, via this link.

- Please contact us if you have any information that will improve this page or if you spot any mistakes.