Luke James (footballer)

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Luke James
James at Bristol Rovers in 2016
Personal information
Full name Luke Myers James[1]
Date of birth (1994-11-04) 4 November 1994 (age 29)
Place of birth Amble, England[2]
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Position(s) Striker
Team information
Current team
 Blyth Spartans (on loan from South Shields)
Youth career
2010–2011 Hartlepool United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2011–2014 Hartlepool United 90 (19)
2014–2017 Peterborough United 32 (1)
2015–2016 → Bradford City (loan) 9 (0)
2016 → Hartlepool United (loan) 20 (1)
2016–2017 → Bristol Rovers (loan) 24 (0)
2017–2018 Forest Green Rovers 14 (0)
2018 → Barrow (loan) 17 (7)
2018–2020 Hartlepool United 64 (7)
2020–2022 Barrow 63 (3)
2022–2023 York City 16 (1)
2023– South Shields 17 (2)
2024– → Blyth Spartans (loan) 10 (1)
International career‡
2019– England C 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21:56, 21 April 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22:22, 19 March 2019 (UTC)

Luke Myers James (born 4 November 1994) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for National League North side Blyth Spartans, on loan from South Shields.

James came through the ranks at Hartlepool United, making his debut in December 2011. He currently holds the record of being the youngest player to ever score a league goal for Hartlepool, at the age of 17 years and 64 days. After three seasons at Hartlepool, James put in a transfer request at the start of the 2014–15 season. He signed a four-year deal at Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee. James struggled at Peterborough and joined Bradford City, Hartlepool United and Bristol Rovers on loan before leaving permanently for Forest Green Rovers in 2017. James enjoyed a successful loan spell at National League side Barrow before joining Hartlepool permanently for a third spell. After two seasons with Hartlepool, James failed to agree a new contract and joined League Two Barrow for a second time in 2020. James spent two years at Barrow before leaving for National League side York City. In 2023, James signed for National League North club South Shields.

Career[edit]

Hartlepool United[edit]

James was born in the small town of Amble, Northumberland, and grew up supporting local club Sunderland.[3] He joined the academy of Hartlepool United at the age of 11, progressing through their youth system until he was offered a professional contract at the age of 16.[4] James made his league debut for Hartlepool United on 17 December 2011 as a 46th minute substitute for James Brown in a 1–0 defeat by Colchester United.[5] He made his first league starting appearance in a 1–0 win over Oldham Athletic on 26 December 2011, in which he was voted Man of the Match for his performance.[6] He scored his first goal, a 25-yard volley, in a 2–0 win over Rochdale on 7 January 2012.[7] The goal was particularly memorable as it made him the youngest player ever to score for Hartlepool United at the age of 17 years and 64 days, 48 days younger than the previous record holder Steven Istead.[8]

James managed to achieve all this on the pitch whilst also studying for a BTEC qualification in Sport at East Durham College and was subsequently awarded with the honour of being named Apprentice of the Month for December 2011 by the League Football Education committee.[9] James continued his impressive form when he scored a brace in a 4–0 over Carlisle United on 28 January 2012, which would prove to be Hartlepool United's biggest winning margin of the season.[10] As a result of his performance he was named in the Football League Team of the Week. By now the 17-year–old had caught the attention of a number of larger clubs and in his next match, a 0–0 draw against Bournemouth on 11 February 2012, he was watched by 21 scouts.[11] Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers and Scottish Premier League side Celtic in particular were all thought to be keen on signing the young midfielder.[12] However, it was later reported on 7 June 2012 that Newcastle United would not be pursuing their interest in the immediate future but would instead be keeping close tabs on James' progress.[13] At the end of his debut season, James had made 19 league appearances and had two of his three goals nominated for Hartlepool United's Goal of the Season Award, with fans ultimately voting for his first Football League goal against Rochdale as the winner.[14]

James maintained his impressive form into the 2012–13 season, making 25 league appearances and scoring 3 league goals, which culminated in him winning the League One Apprentice of the Year Award on 24 March 2013.[15] He dedicated the award to the fans for their continued support despite the fact that the club was facing a relegation battle.[16] Despite his own success, however, he was unable to prevent the club from being relegated from Football League One at the end of the season.[17] At the end of the season, James found himself nominated, for a second consecutive year, for the Hartlepool United Goal of the Season Award for his goal in a 1–1 draw with Brentford on 20 April 2013, however, he ultimately lost out on the fan vote to teammate James Poole.[18] In the close season, James was once again the subject of transfer speculation with Football League Championship sides Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and Huddersfield Town, as well as League One clubs Brentford and Shrewsbury Town all thought to have been considering a bid for the 18-year–old midfielder, however a formal offer was never made for him.[19]

James began the new season brightly, scoring for Hartlepool United in a 5–0 thrashing of Bradford City in the first round of the 2013–14 Football League Trophy on 3 September 2013.[20] On 21 September 2013 he scored both goals in a 2–2 draw with Bristol Rovers.[21] On 28 September 2013, he made it three goals in two games by scoring in a 3–1 defeat by Oxford United.[22] James scored his 10th league goal for Hartlepool United in a 3–0 away win over Exeter City on 12 October 2013.[23] The following match he secured a league win for Hartlepool United after scoring from long–range in a 1–0 win over Plymouth Argyle on 19 October 2013.[24] James continued his prolific form in a 3–1 win over AFC Wimbledon on 22 October 2013, scoring his sixth league goal in as many matches and securing a fourth consecutive league victory for Hartlepool United.[25] Hartlepool United's run of four wins in five matches (with eleven goals scored and only 3 conceded) did not go unnoticed and in October 2013 the club were given the double honour of having Colin Cooper named League Two Manager of the Month whilst Luke James was awarded League Two Player of the Month by Football League Sponsors Sky Bet.[26] The young forward maintained his impressive season when he scored twice in a 3–2 win over Notts County in the first round of the 2013–14 FA Cup on 9 November 2013.[27]

James was the club's top scorer for the 2013–14 season with 13 leagues goals and 16 in all competitions. This made him the second-youngest Pools player since World War Two to hit double figures in a season.[28] He went on to win Hartlepool's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year Award at the end of the 2013–14 season.[28] In August 2014, James submitted two transfer requests, with the media reporting interest from League One club Peterborough United.[29]

Peterborough United[edit]

James signed for Peterborough United on 1 September 2014 for a fee of £500,000.[30]

He moved on loan to Bradford City in July 2015.[31] His loan deal was terminated by Bradford City in January 2016, four months early.[32]

Bristol Rovers loan[edit]

On 6 July 2016, Bristol Rovers signed James on a season long loan from Peterborough United.[33] He scored in pre season with a consolation goal during a 5–1 defeat to the hands of Swansea City.[34] He made his league debut for the club on 14 August 2016, coming off the bench in a 2–1 victory over Oxford United, replacing Billy Bodin in the 66' minute of the game[35] and scored a penalty in the shootout victory against Yeovil Town in the group stage of the EFL Trophy.[36] Having yet to score a league goal for the club, James won a penalty in the 2–1 victory over Chesterfield on 18 March. He blasted it straight down the middle and despite the Chesterfield goalkeeper, Thorsten Stuckmann, moving to his right; he made a superb reflex save to deny James his first goal for the club.[37]

Forest Green Rovers[edit]

On 13 July 2017, James signed for League Two club Forest Green Rovers on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract.[38] He scored his first goal for Forest Green in an EFL Trophy tie against Newport County on 29 August 2017.[39]

Hartlepool United[edit]

On 13 July 2018, James re-joined National League side Hartlepool United for the third time.[40] James completed 11 assists for his side in the 2018–19 season.[41] At the end of the 2018–19 season, James was chosen as the Fans' Player of the Year.[42]

Barrow[edit]

In July 2020, James re-joined newly promoted League Two side Barrow after failing to agree a new contract at Hartlepool.[43] He left Barrow after two seasons with the club.

York City[edit]

In July 2022, James signed for newly promoted team York City.[44] He was released by the club after one season.[45]

South Shields[edit]

On 13 June 2023, James signed for newly promoted National League North side South Shields.[46] In March 2024, James moved on loan to fellow National League North side Blyth Spartans on loan until the end of the season.[47]

Career statistics[edit]

As of match played 20 April 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Hartlepool United 2011–12[48] League One 19 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 3
2012–13[49] League One 25 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 26 3
2013–14[50] League Two 42 13 3 2 1 0 3[a] 1 45 16
2014–15[51] League Two 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 0
Total 90 19 3 2 3 0 3 1 98 22
Peterborough United 2014–15[51] League One 32 1 1 0 0 0 1[a] 1 34 2
Bradford City (loan) 2015–16[52] League One 9 0 3 0 1 0 1[a] 0 14 0
Hartlepool United (loan) 2015–16[52] League Two 20 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 1
Bristol Rovers (loan) 2016–17[53] League One 24 0 3 0 1 0 2[b] 0 30 0
Forest Green Rovers 2017–18[54] League Two 14 0 2 0 1 0 5[b] 1 22 1
Barrow (loan) 2017–18[55] National League 17 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 7
Hartlepool United 2018–19[55] National League 45 5 3 0 0 0 2[c] 0 50 5
2019–20[55] National League 19 2 4 1 0 0 0 0 23 3
Total 64 7 7 1 0 0 2 0 73 8
Barrow 2020–21[56] League Two 44 3 1 0 0 0 2[b] 0 47 3
2021–22[57] League Two 19 0 2 0 0 0 1[b] 0 22 0
Total 63 3 3 0 0 0 3 0 69 3
York City 2022–23[55] National League 16 1 2 0 0 0 1[c] 0 19 1
South Shields 2023–24[55] National League North 17 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 19 2
Blyth Spartans (loan) 2023–24[55] National League North 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 1
Career total 376 42 25 3 6 0 19 3 426 48
  1. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy
  3. ^ a b Appearance(s) in FA Trophy

Honours[edit]

Individual

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Professional retain list & free transfers 2012/13" (PDF). The Football League. 18 May 2013. p. 36. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 August 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
  2. ^ Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2012). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013 (43rd ed.). London: Headline. p. 474. ISBN 978-0-7553-6356-8.
  3. ^ "Amble teenager Luke James". Northumberland Gazette. Archived from the original on 20 August 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
  4. ^ "James is LFE Apprentice of the Year for League One". The Football League. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
  5. ^ "Barron boosted by teen duo". Sky Sports. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
  6. ^ "Apprentice of the Month – December 2011". League Football Education. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
  7. ^ "Hartlepool United 2–0 Rochdale". BBC Football. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  8. ^ "Young Luke's wonder-goal rewrites the record books". Northumberland Gazette. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
  9. ^ "Apprentice of the Month – December 2011". League Football Education. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
  10. ^ "Hartlepool United 4–0 Carlisle United". BBC Football. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
  11. ^ "Pools hope James is getting back to his best". Northern Echo. Retrieved 15 February 2012.
  12. ^ "Trio leading race for James". Sky Sports. Retrieved 24 May 2012.
  13. ^ "Newcastle United cool interest in Hartlepool United hotshot from Amble". Shields Gazette. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
  14. ^ "James Presented With Goal of Season Award". noodls.com. Retrieved 28 May 2012.
  15. ^ "James Named Apprentice of the Year". Hartlepool United. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  16. ^ "James dedicates award to fans". Sky Sports. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
  17. ^ "Hartlepool United's relegation from League One confirmed". Hartlepool Mail. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
  18. ^ "Poole Claims Goal of Season Prize". Hartlepool United. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  19. ^ "Transfer speculation: Several clubs chasing Hartlepool's Luke James". Sky Sports. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  20. ^ "Hartlepool United 5–0 Bradford City". BBC Football. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  21. ^ "Bristol Rovers 2–2 Hartlepool United". BBC Football. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
  22. ^ "Hartlepool United 1–3 Oxford United". BBC Football. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
  23. ^ "Exeter City 0–3 Hartlepool United". BBC Football. Retrieved 12 October 2013.
  24. ^ "Hartlepool United 1–0 Plymouth Argyle". BBC Football. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  25. ^ "Hartlepool United 3–1 AFC Wimbledon". BBC Football. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
  26. ^ "Sky Bet League Two: Hartlepool's Colin Cooper and Luke James win manager and player awards". Sky Sports. Retrieved 8 November 2013.
  27. ^ "Hartlepool United 3–2 Notts County". BBC Football. Retrieved 9 November 2013.
  28. ^ a b c d "James Celebrating Double Award". Hartlepool United. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  29. ^ "Hartlepool: Colin Cooper ushers Luke James back into squad". BBC. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  30. ^ "Hartlepool's James joins Peterborough". BBC Sport. 1 September 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  31. ^ "Bradford sign James in loan deal". BBC Sport.
  32. ^ "Peterborough United, Bradford City striker Luke James: Can Hartlepool United pull off deeal? – Hartlepool Mail". Archived from the original on 27 January 2016. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  33. ^ "Luke James: Bristol Rovers sign Peterborough forward on season-long loan". BBC Sport. 6 July 2016.
  34. ^ "Pre-season friendly: Bristol Rovers 1–5 Swansea City". BBC Sport. 23 July 2016. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  35. ^ "Bristol Rovers 2–1 Oxford United". BBC Sport. 14 August 2016. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  36. ^ "Bristol Rovers 0–0 Yeovil Town (Rovers win 5–3 on penalties) – Report and player ratings". Somerset Live. 4 October 2016. Retrieved 6 April 2017.[permanent dead link]
  37. ^ "Darrell Clarke on Luke James penalty and Ollie Clarke injury as Bristol Rovers beat Chesterfield". Bristol Post. 18 March 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  38. ^ "Luke James: Forest Green Rovers sign Peterborough United striker". BBC Sport. 13 July 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  39. ^ "Forest Green Rovers 2–0 Newport". BBC. 29 August 2017. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
  40. ^ Nick Loughlin (13 July 2018). "Striker back at Pools". Northern Echo. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  41. ^ "Number Cruncher: The 2018/19 Season". Hartlepool United FC. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  42. ^ a b "James and Loach scoop top awards for 2018/19". Hartlepool United FC. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  43. ^ Dominic Scurr (21 July 2020). "Luke James joins Barrow from Hartlepool United as Dave Challinor eyes incomings at Victoria Park following return to training". Hartlepool Mail. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  44. ^ James O'Reilly (5 July 2022). "York City sign attacking duo Luke James and Manny Duku". York Press. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  45. ^ "York City retained list for 2023/24 season". yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk. 10 May 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  46. ^ Daniel Prince (13 June 2023). "Luke James to become second summer signing". South Shields FC. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
  47. ^ "Luke James arrives on loan from Mariners". Blyth Spartans AFC. 8 March 2024. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  48. ^ "Games played by Luke James in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  49. ^ "Games played by Luke James in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  50. ^ "Games played by Luke James in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  51. ^ a b "Games played by Luke James in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  52. ^ a b "Games played by Luke James in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  53. ^ "Games played by Luke James in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  54. ^ "Games played by Luke James in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  55. ^ a b c d e f "L.James". Soccerway. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  56. ^ "Games played by Luke James in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  57. ^ "Games played by Luke James in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  58. ^ "Apprentice of the Month – December 2011". League Football Education. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
  59. ^ "James Named Apprentice of the Year". Hartlepool United. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  60. ^ "Sky Bet League Two: Hartlepool's Colin Cooper and Luke James win manager and player awards". Sky Sports. Retrieved 8 November 2013.

External links[edit]

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