Simmons Jim Image 1 West Ham United 1921

Description

Blackwell, Derbyshire born inside forward Jim Simmons played for Blackwell Colliery in 1907 before joining First Division Sheffield United a year later, making his Football League debut against Middlesbrough in April 1909 scoring in a 2-0 victory. He was a nephew of William “Fatty” Foulke but had the opposite physique, being fast and at times a brilliant player. He soon established himself in the first eleven scoring 4 goals in their 1914 FA Cup run which saw them lose the semi final in a replay to eventual winners Burnley at Goodison Park, before going one better in 1915 when they won the 1915 “Khaki Cup Final” 3-0 against Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Simmons scored in their semi final victory over Bolton at Ewood Park and scored the opening goal in the Final just before half time when he half volleyed a cross into the top corner of the net. The Manchester Guardian stated that he was the most attractive player on the pitch and his quick attacks, which he mixed between runs down the wing and through the centre, left the Chelsea defence standing.

He played for The Blades both sides of the First World War, during which he served in the Armed Forces, but after 49 goals in 222 appearances for United he joined West Ham United in the summer of 1920. At Upton Park he didn’t really establish himself as a first choice player, and scored once in 27 appearances over the next two seasons before being forced into retirement by injury in 1923.