Jimmy Nelson (footballer)
James Nelson (7 January 1901 – 8 October 1965) was a Scottish professional footballer who played as a full-back. He moved to Ireland as a child where he began his senior career with Irish Intermediate League side Crusaders. He spent two seasons with the team before joining Football League First Division side Cardiff City in 1921. After two seasons as a reserve, he became established in the first team and went on to make more than 250 appearances in all competitions. He helped the club reach two FA Cup finals, losing the first in 1925 before Cardiff became the first team from outside England to win the competition in 1927. He also won the 1927 FA Charity Shield and the Welsh Cup on four occasions with Cardiff.
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Nelson pictured on a postcard in 1923 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | James Nelson | ||
| Date of birth | 7 January 1901 | ||
| Place of birth | Greenock, Scotland | ||
| Date of death | 8 October 1965 (aged 64) | ||
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Full back | ||
| Youth career | |||
| St Paul's | |||
| Glenarm | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1919–1921 | Crusaders | ||
| 1921–1930 | Cardiff City | 240 | (2) |
| 1930–1935 | Newcastle United | 146 | (0) |
| 1935–1939 | Southend United | 73 | (0) |
| Total | 459 | (2) | |
| International career | |||
| 1925–1930 | Scotland | 4 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Following Cardiff's relegation, Nelson was sold to Newcastle United in 1930. He went on to captain the side to victory in the 1932 FA Cup Final during his second year. He remained with Newcastle for five years, making more than 150 appearances in all competitions before finishing his professional career with Third Division South side Southend United. At international level, Nelson attained four caps for the Scotland national team between 1926 and 1930, including being part of the Wembley Wizards Scotland side of 1928.