Reece James (footballer, born 1993)
![]() James playing for Wigan Athletic in 2018 | |||
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Reece James[1] | ||
Date of birth | [2] | 7 November 1993||
Place of birth | Bacup, England | ||
Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.82 m)[2] | ||
Position(s) | Defender | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Rotherham United | ||
Number | 6 | ||
Youth career | |||
Rossendale United | |||
Blackburn Rovers | |||
Preston North End | |||
2012–2013 | Manchester United | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2013–2015 | Manchester United | 0 | (0) |
2013 | → Carlisle United (loan) | 1 | (0) |
2014–2015 | → Rotherham United (loan) | 7 | (0) |
2015 | → Huddersfield Town (loan) | 6 | (1) |
2015–2018 | Wigan Athletic | 48 | (1) |
2018–2019 | Sunderland | 27 | (0) |
2019–2021 | Doncaster Rovers | 70 | (9) |
2021–2023 | Blackpool | 17 | (0) |
2022–2023 | → Sheffield Wednesday (loan) | 25 | (0) |
2023–2024 | Sheffield Wednesday | 8 | (0) |
2024– | Rotherham United | 2 | (0) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 07:03, 25 August 2024 (UTC) |
Reece James (born 7 November 1993) is an English professional footballer who plays for EFL League One club Rotherham United. His usual position is as a left-back, but also occasionally plays in midfield.
After spending time as a youth player with Rossendale United, Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End, James followed his brother Matty to Manchester United in 2012; however, he failed to break into the first team, and after loan spells with Carlisle United, Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town, he made a permanent move to Wigan Athletic in 2015. After three years with Wigan, James joined Sunderland on a free transfer at the end of the 2017–18 season. He then spent two years with Doncaster Rovers.
Career
[edit]Born in Bacup, Lancashire,[2] James began his football career as a youth player with local club Rossendale United, and spent time with Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End before signing for Manchester United in July 2012.[3]
Manchester United
[edit]He signed for Carlisle on a half-season loan contract in July 2013,[4] and made his professional debut on the opening day of the 2013–14 season in Carlisle's 5–1 home defeat to Leyton Orient.[5] However, he suffered an injury shortly before half time in Carlisle's penalty shoot-out victory against Blackburn Rovers in the League Cup on 7 August,[6] and returned to Manchester United on 24 September 2013.[7]
After returning to Manchester United, James was ever-present in the club's reserve team for the remainder of the season, and his performances led to a nomination for the Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year award, ultimately losing to Saidy Janko.[8] He made his first-team debut in the opening match of the club's pre-season tour of the United States on 23 July 2014, and scored twice from a left-wing-back role as Manchester United beat the LA Galaxy 7–0.[9] On 26 August 2014, he made his only United first-team appearance in the League Cup defeat to Milton Keynes Dons.[10]
On 26 November 2014, James was sent on loan to Rotherham United for two months. After eight appearances, including one in the FA Cup, he returned to Manchester United on 26 January 2015. On 26 March, he joined Huddersfield Town on loan until the end of the 2014–15 season.[11] He made his debut in the 1–1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough Stadium on 4 April 2015.[12] His first goal for the club came in the 4–4 draw with Derby County at the John Smith's Stadium on 18 April 2015, when he scored directly from a corner to give Town a 3–1 lead.[13]
Wigan Athletic
[edit]On 21 July 2015, James joined Wigan Athletic on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.[14] After being largely ever-present for the first half of the season, an injury suffered in a 3–1 victory over Chesterfield, in which James scored his first goal for the club,[15] led to him missing the remainder of the 2015–16 season and the majority of the following season.[16][17]
He was released by Wigan at the end of the 2017–18 season.[18]
Sunderland
[edit]He subsequently signed a one-year deal with Sunderland on 2 July 2018.[19]
Doncaster Rovers
[edit]James signed for Doncaster Rovers on a two-year deal on 19 June 2019 for an undisclosed fee. On 5 October, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 defeat against Portsmouth.[20][21]
Blackpool
[edit]After two years at Doncaster, James joined Championship club Blackpool on 1 July 2021 on a three-year deal.[22]
Sheffield Wednesday (loan)
[edit]On 7 July 2022, James joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan for the duration of the season.[23] He made his debut against Sunderland in the EFL Cup on 10 August 2022.[24] James was shown a red card in his first start for the club against Peterborough United.[25] His first goal for the club came against Peterborough United in the second leg of the play-off semi-final.[26]
Permanent move to Sheffield Wednesday
[edit]On 30 June 2023, James joined Sheffield Wednesday for an undisclosed fee.[27] He made his permanent debut against Southampton on 4 August 2023 coming off the bench.[28] On 17 May 2024, it was confirmed he would be released following the expiration of his contract.[29]
Return to Rotherham United
[edit]On 22 May 2024, it was confirmed James would return to Rotherham United on a two-year deal.[30]
Personal life
[edit]James' father, Linton, played non-league football for Bacup Borough and later worked as assistant manager of the club. He attended Fearns Community Sports College.[31] His brother, Matty, who is also a product of the Manchester United academy, currently plays for Bristol City in the EFL Championship.[32]
Career statistics
[edit]- As of match played 24 August 2024
Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Manchester United | 2013–14[33] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | |
2014–15[34] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | – | 1 | 0 | |||
Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 1 | 0 | |||
Carlisle United (loan) | 2013–14[33] | League One | 1 | 0 | – | 1 | 0 | – | – | 2 | 0 | |||
Rotherham United (loan) | 2014–15[34] | Championship | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | – | – | 8 | 0 | |||
Huddersfield Town (loan) | 2014–15[34] | Championship | 6 | 1 | – | – | – | – | 6 | 1 | ||||
Wigan Athletic | 2015–16[35] | League One | 26 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 1[a] | 0 | 29 | 1 | |
2016–17[36] | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | — | 0 | 0 | |||
2017–18[37] | League One | 22 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 1[a] | 0 | 28 | 0 | ||
Total | 48 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | 2 | 0 | 57 | 1 | |||
Sunderland | 2018–19[38] | League One | 27 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 4[a] | 0 | 34 | 0 | |
Doncaster Rovers | 2019–20[39] | League One | 27 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 2[a] | 0 | 32 | 2 | |
2020–21[40] | League One | 43 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 1[a] | 0 | 48 | 7 | ||
Total | 70 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 3 | 0 | 80 | 9 | |||
Blackpool | 2021–22[41] | Championship | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | – | 19 | 0 | ||
2022–23[42] | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | |||
Total | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 | |||
Sheffield Wednesday (loan) | 2022–23[42] | League One | 25 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | 5[b] | 1 | 34 | 1 | |
Sheffield Wednesday | 2023–24[43] | Championship | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | |
Rotherham United | 2024–25[44] | League One | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 1[a] | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
Career total | 211 | 11 | 18 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 1 | 258 | 12 |
- ^ a b c d e f Appearance in the EFL Trophy
- ^ Appearance(s) in League One Play-offs & Football League Trophy
Honours
[edit]Wigan Athletic
Sunderland
- EFL Trophy runner-up: 2018–19[46]
Sheffield Wednesday
References
[edit]- ^ "Premier League Clubs submit Squad Lists" (PDF). Premier League. 3 September 2014. p. 27. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 October 2014.
- ^ a b c "R. James: Summary". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
- ^ "41. Reece James". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 21 April 2015.
- ^ "Carlisle United sign Manchester United defender Reece James". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 15 July 2013. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
- ^ Hall, Andy (3 August 2013). "Match Report: United 1–5 Orient". carlisleunited.co.uk. Carlisle United FC. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
- ^ "Carlisle 3–3 Blackburn (4–3 on pens)". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 7 August 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
- ^ Hall, Andy (24 September 2013). "Breaking: Defender returns to Manchester United". carlisleunited.co.uk. Carlisle United FC. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
- ^ Marshall, Adam (8 May 2014). "Janko earns Reserves gong". ManUtd.com (Manchester United). Retrieved 31 May 2014.
- ^ Stone, Simon (24 July 2014). "Man Utd beat LA Galaxy: Louis van Gaal off to winning start". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 24 July 2014.
- ^ Osborne, Chris (26 August 2014). "Milton Keynes Dons 4-0 Manchester United". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
- ^ "Man Utd defender Reece James joins Huddersfield Town on loan". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 26 March 2015. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
- ^ "Sheff Wed 1–1 Huddersfield". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 4 April 2015. Retrieved 21 April 2015.
- ^ "Huddersfield 4–4 Derby". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 18 April 2015. Retrieved 21 April 2015.
- ^ Hibbs, Ben (21 July 2015). "Young Reds defender joins Wigan Athletic". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
- ^ "Wigan Athletic 3–1 Chesterfield". BBC Sport. 16 January 2016. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ "Mystery surrounds James' ankle injury". www.wigantoday.net. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ Wilson, Paul (28 January 2017). "Wigan's Reece James to realise dream against Manchester United in FA Cup". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ "Wigan Athletic in talks with five out-of-contract players after League One title win". BBC Sport. 18 May 2018. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
- ^ "Sunderland confirm signing of Reece James on free transfer". Sky Sports. 2 July 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
- ^ "Rovers sign Sunderland defender Reece James". Doncaster Rovers Official Site. 19 June 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
- ^ "Reece James: Doncaster Rovers sign left-back from Sunderland". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 19 June 2019. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
- ^ "Seasiders sign Reece James". Blackpool FC. 8 June 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
- ^ "Reece James joins Owls on loan". Sheffield Wednesday FC. 7 July 2022.
- ^ "Report: Wednesday 2-0 Sunderland". Sheffield Wednesday FC. 10 August 2022.
- ^ "The red card changed the game". Sheffield Wednesday FC. 16 August 2022.
- ^ "Play-off penalties see the Owls through". Sheffield Wednesday FC. 19 May 2023.
- ^ "Reece James makes Owls return". Sheffield Wednesday FC. 30 June 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "Sheffield Wednesday 1 Southampton 2 highlights as ex-Blades striker Che Adams bags later winner". Yorkshire Examiner. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
- ^ "Owls confirm retained list". Sheffield Wednesday FC. 17 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Three-time League One Promotion-winning Reece returns for second Rotherham spell". Rotherham United FC. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
- ^ "Dream debut for Valley star Matty". Rossendale Free Press. 25 September 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
- ^ Bostock, Adam (15 July 2013). "James departs on loan". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 21 April 2015.
- ^ a b "Games played by Reece James in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
- ^ a b c "Games played by Reece James in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Reece James in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Reece James in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Reece James in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Reece James in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
- ^ "Games played by Reece James in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Reece James in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Reece James in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ a b "Games played by Reece James in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Reece James in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Reece James in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ Anderson, John, ed. (2018). Football Yearbook 2018–2019. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 382–383. ISBN 978-1-4722-6106-9.
- ^ Williams, Adam (31 March 2019). "Portsmouth 2–2 Sunderland". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
- ^ Ian Woodcock (29 May 2023). "Barnsley 0–1 Sheffield Wednesday". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
External links
[edit]- Reece James at Soccerbase
- 1993 births
- Living people
- People from Bacup
- Footballers from Lancashire
- English men's footballers
- Men's association football defenders
- Rossendale United F.C. players
- Blackburn Rovers F.C. players
- Preston North End F.C. players
- Manchester United F.C. players
- Carlisle United F.C. players
- Rotherham United F.C. players
- Huddersfield Town A.F.C. players
- Wigan Athletic F.C. players
- Sunderland A.F.C. players
- Doncaster Rovers F.C. players
- Blackpool F.C. players
- Sheffield Wednesday F.C. players
- English Football League players