Full name James Nelson Name James Nelson Role Scottish footballer | Years Team Died October 8, 1965 1921–1930 Cardiff City | |
Date of birth (1901-01-07)7 January 1901 Date of death 8 October 1965(1965-10-08) (aged 64) | ||
Place of birth Greenock, Scotland | ||
James "Jimmy" Nelson (7 January 1901 – 8 October 1965) was a Scottish international footballer who played for Cardiff City and Newcastle United in the 1920s and 1930s and was the right back in the Wembley Wizards Scotland side of 1928.
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Early years
Born in Greenock, Scotland, Nelson moved to Northern Ireland as a child, starting his football career there with junior sides St Paul's and Glenarm, before turning senior with Crusaders.
Cardiff City
Nelson moved to Wales in 1921 when signed by Cardiff City and stayed with the Bluebirds for nine seasons. During this time he became the first Cardiff player to be sent off in a League match (v. Manchester City, in August 1925) and was also a member of the talented side which won the FA Cup in 1927 against Arsenal. Amongst his team-mates were fellow Scottish international Jimmy Blair, the talented goalscoring forward Hughie Ferguson, heart and soul of the side Fred Keenor, all time Cardiff City record goal scorer Len Davies and speedy left winger George McLachlan.
Scotland
Nelson played 4 times for his country between 1925 and 1930 and was Scotland's right-back in the Wembley Wizards game where they beat England 5-1. Nelson had previously been selected to play for Ireland but was withdrawn from the squad when he was found to be ineligible.
Newcastle United
He was signed by Newcastle United for £7,000 in July 1930. He captained the side to victory in the 1931–32 FA Cup. Tommy Lang inspired the semi final win against Hughie Gallacher's Chelsea and Arsenal were defeated in the 1932 FA Cup Final.
Southend United
Nelson played for Southend United in the twilight of his career.
Later years
Nelson became a publican after his playing retirement, initially in Southend then later in Penarth and Cardiff. His son Tony became an amateur international footballer for Wales then later turned professional with Newport County and Bournemouth.