James Massey

Who was James Massey?

James "Jim" "Jimmy" Massey was an English footballer who played as goalkeeper for Denaby United, Mexborough Town, Doncaster Rovers and The Wednesday at the turn of the 18th century.

Born in Monmore Green, Wolverhampton Massey moved to Yorkshire where he played for Denaby and then Mexborough before signing for Doncaster Rovers in 1890, who were then playing in the Midland Football Alliance League. Two days after winning the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup on 21 March 1891 against Sheffield United, Massey represented the Sheffield and Hallamshire F.A. in a match against the Berks and Bucks F.A., something he did on other occasions too.

Massey moved to The Wednesday in 1893 where he played in Football League up till 1903. One of the highlights of his career was the victory in the 1896 FA Cup Final where Wednesday beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2−1 at Crystal Palace.

After leaving Wednesday he returned to his original club Denaby United as an amateur whilst working at the local pit. He continued playing for local clubs until he lost an eye in a mining accident.

His grandson Roy Massey played League football as a centre forward for several clubs in the 1960s.