Jimmy Yardley

Jimmy Yardley

Born in Wishaw in 1903, Jimmy was a prolific goalscorer in Scottish junior football when he was brought South by Clapton Orient then of Division Two in 1924.

Jimmy struggled to get first team appearances at Orient but the Town had him on their radar following a devastating performance against their reserves leading to him coming to Luton in January 1927.

Jimmy took some time to find his feet at Kenilworth Road but once new manager John McCartney moved Andy Rennie to centre forward he had someone to play off and a wonderful partnership was formed. Quick on the turn, good anticipation and with the ability to bring the ball under control and shoot powerfully in one movement with either foot Jimmy was finally enjoying his football.

The partnership netted 60 goals between them in 1928-29 and endured through to 1932. By this time Jimmy was playing as the target man which he did not care for and so when Charlton of Division Two tabled a bid of £850 it was accepted.

Jimmy averaged a goal a game at Charlton and was also prolific at Millwall who he joined in 1933.

Jimmy would down his career back in Scotland before passing away in Carluke in 1959.