James Stephenson

James Stephenson

The winner of 16 schoolboy medals in the north-east, James, who was born in Ashington in 1891, came to Luton in March 1911 on the recommendation of his friend Sammy Wightman.

Although originally a half-back he was converted to an attacker and could play all along the forward line. His first season was punctuated by injury and the death of his pal Sammy and he could do little to save the Town from relegation.

Turning down moves elsewhere, James stayed loyal and finished as top scorer in 1912-13 with half of his games coming on the wing. Loyalty did not extend both ways though and with the Town in dire financial straights his wage demands could not be met and he went to QPR and then Cardiff with little success.

James then returned to the north-east and continued to play for the likes of Bedlington until well into his thirties.