Tootle Jim Image 1 Derby County 1925

Description

Skelmersdale, Lancashire born right back Jim Tootle began his football career with Old Skelmersdale Rangers and played for Skelmersdale United in the aftermath of the First World War, from where he signed for Third Division (North) club Southport, making his debut in an FA Cup tie at Wigan Borough in December 1922, retaining his place to make his Football League debut three days later at Barrow, Playing at both right and left back in his debut season, he also deputised at centre forward, scoring twice for The Sandgrounders in a 3-1 win over Grimsby Town in March 1923, his only career goals.

After starting the season in the left back berth the following season, he switched sides from December 1923 and was a regular until losing his place in Southport’s first eleven exactly a year later. In March 1925 he joined Second Division high flyers Derby County after 68 appearances for Southport, and although he appeared 4 times for The Rams before the end of the season, he only played in 3 matches during their 1925-26 promotion season, and returned to the north west to join Cheshire County League club Chester, returning to Skelmersdale United in 1927, with whom he finished his playing career.