James Downie

James Downie

Personal information
Playing position	Right-winger
Youth career
	Blackburn Rovers
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps^†	(Gls)^†
1895–1896	Burslem Port Vale	12	(2)
Total		12	(2)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (goals)

James Downie was a 19th-century footballer who played for Blackburn Rovers and Burslem Port Vale.

Playing career

Downie played for Blackburn Rovers before joining Burslem Port Vale in October 1895.^[1] He made his debut at outside-left in an 8–2 thumping at Darwen on 19 October; he was described as "absolutely useless" before it was revealed he was right-footed.^[1] Two days later he scored his first goal in the Football League, in a 5–4 victory over Liverpool at the Athletic Ground.^[1] He became a regular in his natural position before losing his place in March 1896 and getting released at the end of the season with two goals in 12 Second Division appearances.^[1]

References

1. Kent, Jeff (1996). Port Vale Personalities. Witan Books. p. 88. ISBN 0-9529152-0-0.