James Linton was born on December 2, 1930, in Glasgow, Scotland. He grew up in Auchinairn, Dumbartonshire. He started his goalkeeping career with Tollcross Y.M.C.A., and made his breakthrough as a goalkeeper with Kirkintilloch Rob Roy Juveniles in Dunbartonshire.

The six foot goalkeeper was Kirkintilloch Rob Roy’s goalkeeper when they won the 1950-51 Dumbartonshire Charity Cup.

Jimmy signed for Notts County in November 1952. After leaving the Army he became a fulltime professional with Notts County in March 1953.

He was Notts County’s first team goalkeeper from the start of the 1955-56 season.

Jimmy came to Toronto late in May 1957 to be the best man at a friends wedding. While in Toronto he was persuaded to play in goal for Olympia-Harmonie and ended up playing in the National Soccer League for a month. In typical cool NSL fashion, his appearances in league games were played down when it came to transfer rules and FIFA regulations.

Valued at $35,000 in British soccer he proved to be a great asset for the German club. He made his debut for Olympia on May 24 as they beat Toronto Italia 4-1 at Fred Hamilton. On June 11 he was said to have been the star of the game when Olympia-Harmonie defeated Ulster United 3-1. Four days later he was in the Olympia nets when they were beaten by heavy score of 6-0 by Toronto Hungaria. Jimmy returned to England on Friday July 5.

In July 1959 Jimmy joined Watford Football Club. He played in 43 of Watford’s 46 league games when they won promotion from the Fourth Division to the Third Division. In all Jim played in 71 league games for Watford.

He moved on to Ramsgate Athletic in the Southern League as a professional player. He was released after the 1965-66 season. Then followed short spells with Dunstable Town and Hatfield Town.

James Linton died a the age of 87 on November 7, 2018.