With a remarkable ten-year stint at Walsall during his formative years, he displayed his talent and dedication from a young age. Notably, he was a part of the victorious Man Utd Milk Cup squad, sharing the same age group with notable talents like Jesse Lingard and Ravel Morrison. James's career took him to Brighton & Hove Albion at the age of 18, and later to Burton for a memorable season. However, his football journey didn't stop there, as he ventured into non-league football, where he contributed significantly to teams such as Tamworth, Nuneaton, Sutton Town, Hednesford Town, and Stourbridge. Despite facing challenges, including a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, James's passion for the game led him to transition into a coaching role with Walsall Wood and then returning to play between the sticks for Chasetown, where he continues to make a valuable impact.

How did you first get involved with Chasetown FC and what motivated you to join the team?
Well I’d actually been happily retired for two years & towards the end of last season, Ryan Wynter sent me an ominous text, followed by a phone call from Swanny. When he told me what had happened with Pondy & asked if I’d help out. The challenge of the last 6 games looked exciting & the chance to link up with Swanny & a few of pals was too good to say no to!

We’re a few weeks into the season now, how do you and the team feel about the performance so far?
I think we’ve done well. We’ve almost picked up from where we left off, we’re a calm & controlled unit & I think the first games haven’t been against easy opposition. You guys know better than I do, this team gets stronger as the season goes on. If we continue to take one game at a time & keep the focus, we’ll be alright!

Balancing personal life and football can be quite challenging. How do you manage to fit in your football commitments around your daily routine and other responsibilities?
I’m still working that bit out, things have changed for me a little bit over the last three years, hence my retirement. This year will be a little bit of trial and error I think, but ultimately, the aim is to not worry too much & just get on with it.

Are there any specific goals the team has set for this year?
Personally I don’t look past the next game & collectively, it’s felt like that since I came in last year. The only goal I think we have is to win the next game. When you start looking too far ahead, that’s when you trip over what’s under your feet.

Chasetown FC is going through some significant changes, particularly with the installation of a new 3G pitch. How do you think this change will impact the team's playing style and overall performance on the field?
It shouldn’t really change much. All teams have their own style & play to their strengths, so I can’t see us never playing to ours. I think the nice thing is not having to worry too much about a bobble!

Non-league football has a unique charm. Could you share your thoughts on what makes playing for Chasetown FC special, especially in the context of the local community's support?
I’m not sure I can pinpoint exactly what it is. It’s just a proper club, probably epitomised by the presence of Mick Joiner & the impact he’s had on the club. I think when you go to most non-league clubs, they’re smattered with good people, but there is a real abundance at Chasetown & it’s got a real feeling of respect for the past with a new twist & fresh ideas. A really good balance.

Are there any particular skills or aspects of your game that you're looking to enhance?
I don’t really think like that to be honest. I just show up & do the job I’m required to do. I think the first role of any keeper is to try & not make a save. That comes in the form of talking & organising or cutting out danger before it leads to a shot. If there is a shot against us, that means somethings gone wrong. Personally I would like to have more of an impact away from my own performance, in the form of being a voice to help the team solve problems on the pitch & help the younger players keep their consistency & see them move on to achieve the goals they have in football.

What challenges do you anticipate from the upcoming opponents?
A boring answer, but not really. I don’t care who we play against. I’d just like to win & hopefully keep a clean sheet along the way!

Are there specific areas that you think need more focus in order to achieve the desired results?
I couldnt really say, all I hope for is that we stay consistent, there will be games that we win that we don’t deserve to win, & there will be games we lose that we deserve to win, but at the end of the season, where you finish, is where you deserve to finish. The management will have a better idea than I will of where we need to focus & adapt.

Can you share a memorable experience or match that stands out to you during your time at Chasetown FC?
Yeah, I really enjoyed the 4-0 at Corby, it’s a hard place to go & it was as professional of a performance that you’ll see at non-league. We played the game & not the occasion & we did a proper number on them. The same could be said for the first game of the season at Runcorn. This team has a rare ability to just soak up pressure & turn the game when we need to.

What kind of training regimen and preparation do you follow to stay at the top of your game?
Don’t overthink it. I just turn up & play.

How important do you think community support is for Chasetown FC, and how do you engage with the local community?
I think it’s great, it’s the heartbeat of every non league club & Chasetown is no different. The older you get the more you see what these clubs mean to the people & you feel a real sense of responsibility to perform for the them & the club. If I’m honest I’ve not been here that long so I haven’t really had the chance, but I do like to have a chat with the fans in the bar after.

Are there any footballers, past or present, who inspire you in your playing style or approach to the game?
Not particularly, I think everyone is different, but you can pick certain things up from certain players you played with, I was a young lad with Tony Breeden at Tamworth & I loved how relaxed he was at all times & how he just made sure he enjoyed himself. I’ve played against Jas Singh a few times & picked up little clever things he does to make the game easier for himself. Stuff like that really.

How has your experience with Chasetown FC contributed to your personal growth, both on and off the pitch?
I can’t say I’ve really thought about it to be honest, maybe I need longer at the club, but ultimately I’m just trying to do what’s required of me by the management, my teammates & the club.

What aspirations do you and the team have for the future, both in terms of personal development and team achievements?
I never talk about them out loud, I think these things change & they can come back to bite you. But I suppose I can say, just try & win the next game.

Can you describe the atmosphere and fan support at Chasetown FC's matches, and how does it impact your performance?
Again, this is something that doesn’t phase me one way or the other. Even more so as I’ve got older. It’s great to have fans there & enjoy the win with them after or experience the pain together. But I personally think it’s important to play the game & not the surroundings, or the emotion. That’s for the fans.

Non-league clubs often rely on volunteers and local support. Are you personally involved in any community initiatives or events related to the club?
Not just yet. I have some ideas, but we’re not there yet. I might help build Langy’s statue one day.

How do you mentally prepare for matches, particularly when facing tough opponents or challenging situations on the pitch?
The same as any other game. I don’t see the point in changing, it’s the same rules & the same sized football.

What motivated you to pursue a semi-professional football career alongside your other commitments?
Swanny. If he didn’t call me, I’d be having afternoon naps on a Saturday instead.

Can you share a memorable experience or accomplishment from your non-football life that you're particularly proud of?
Not really, football has probably been crueler to me than kind in the grand scheme of things, I suppose if I’m ever struggling, I’ll pull out the “have you ever played for Man Utd?” Card. But I can’t do that with Tayls, because he tells me every time I see him.

Are there any role models or individuals who have inspired you to pursue excellence both on the pitch and in your other endeavors?
Not particularly, I think there’s a lot of things to take from many individuals. I suppose my parents have been great role models to me in different ways, but as I say, I try & take little bits from anyone & everyone.

How do you unwind and find relaxation or leisure time amidst your busy schedule?
Try & find a nice quiet spot in my house away from my 3 kids for longer than 10 minutes.

Have you found any unexpected connections between your football experiences and your non-football pursuits?
I use a lot of my experience in my early football life now, things like how to deal with failure & be resilient etc. Other than that, I’ve made a lot of friends and contacts in non league who have been really helpful when I’ve needed to pick the phone up for work related matters.

Balancing commitments can sometimes be tough. How do you prioritize your time effectively to ensure you're giving your best in both areas?
Again, this is something I’m still figuring out. Hence the reason I’d stopped playing in the first place, but it’s going ok so far so I’ll just have to keep being ready to adapt.

How do your teammates and coaching staff support you in pursuing your non-football goals?
Words of encouragement & support really. They could buy more merchandise off me though!

What advice would you give to aspiring athletes who are looking to follow a similar path of balancing sports and other commitments?
Take it one step at a time, whether it’s good or bad, keep the same level of emotion. Lastly, it’s a one way street, so just enjoy it.