James Richardson

Who was James Richardson?

James Richardson was a professional footballer and manager, who played for Huddersfield Town, Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland AFC, and Ayr United, as well as several other clubs.

Richardson joined Sunderland AFC in 1912 and played there for two years, scoring a total of 31 goals over 45 appearances. In his first season with Sunderland he helped them win the league for the first time since the 1894/1895 season, and the last time until the 1935/1936 season. He also played in the 1913 FA Cup Final against Aston Villa, with Sunderland losing 1-0. In the 1914/1915 season, while playing for Ayr United, Richardson was joint top goalscorer, along with Tom Gracie of Hearts of Midlothian, with a total of 29 goals apiece. In 1916, Richardson went to fight in France during the Great War. He returned in 1918 with stomach troubles, but was well enough to join the first team again on 2 November 1918, scoring a hat-trick against Hibernian in a match that ended 5-0.

After retiring as a player Richardson became a manager for several clubs including Ayr United and Cowdenbeath FC.