James Jackson

James Jackson - Australia's first football export.

James Jackson was born in Cambuslang, Scotland on September 15th 1875 and arrived in Australia two years later.

He made his debut for Hamilton Athletic in 1889 at the age of 13 years 7 months. He was described as a ‘promising little player’. (Newcastle Herald Monday 19 August 1889 Hamilton v Burwood) He continued to play in the Hamilton Athletic first team until a move to Adamstown Rosebud in 1891.

He moved to Scotland in 1893 and signed for Glasgow Rangers in 1896. He made his debut on 17 October 1896 as half back in a 2 -1 win over Clyde. With only 2 starts for Glasgow he was transferred to Newcastle United in the second division in 1897.

At Newcastle United where he was a regular in the first eleven promotion winning team of 1897-98.

From 1899 to 1905 he played for Arsenal, then known as Woolich Arsenal. He was was made captain for 3 seasons.

 On leaving the game, the teetotal and deeply religious Jackson became a blacksmith in Greenock, but his links to football didn't end. His 2 sons also carved out careers in the game. His eldest son, also James, was a fine player, mainly at right back. He enjoyed successful spells with Queens Park, Motherwell and Aberdeen before being signed by Liverpool in 1925 where he played over 200 games. Incredibly, at Aberdeen he played in a team with 3 other Jacksons - Alex (the great future Wembley Wizard), Walter and Willie. His nephew was Australian cricketer, Archie Jackson.