Methven James Image 1 Derby County 1904

Description

Ceres, Fife born right back Jimmy Methven began his football career with Leith Athletic in 1888 and played for Heart of Midlothian in 1889 and St Bernard’s in 1890 before moving south to join Football League club Derby County in 1891, making his Football League debut at Stoke that September. In an incredible playing career that lasted sixteen seasons, Methven was one of three players who played for the club in three unsuccessful FA Cup Final appearances, being a losing finalist to Everton in 1898, Sheffield United in 1899 and Bury in 1903, all matches at The Crystal Palace, In addition he was a semi finalist on four more occasions and was four times an ever present for The Rams. He last played for the club (at the age of 38) on 2nd February 1907, in an FA Cup second-round tie against Lincoln City, which Derby won 1-0.

By then Methven had taken the reins as Derby County’s manager immediately following Harry Newbould’s departure in August 1906 and suffered relegation from the First Division in his first season. He remained in the post until June 1922, during which time he guided Derby County to the Second Division Championship in 1912, and despite their relegation in 1914 he repeated the feat in 1915, suffering a final relegation in 1921, a year before his retirement. He also took The Rams to the FA Cup semi final in where they were beaten in a replay by Bristol City at St Andrews. In addition to 513 appearances as a player for Derby County, he managed the club in 499 matches with a win percentage of over 40%, with a total match involvement of an incredible 1,007 games. He subsequently scouted for Stoke City.