Scouler, Jimmy

Jimmy Scouler

Clubs played for: Portsmouth, Newcastle United, Bradford Park Avenue. (1946-1963)

Born: 1925

Birthplace: Livingston, Scotland

Position: Wing-half

Biography: Once described by Duncan Edwards as "the finest tackler of the ball that I have ever seen", Jimmy Scoular was born in Scotland but signed for Pompey from Gosport Borough. War-time naval service had brought him down to H.M.S. Dolphin and he had been playing for the Navy when first spotted. He played right-half throughout the glory years at the end of the forties/early fifties and won nine Scottish caps. Success followed him to Newcastle United, who he joined in 1953. At St James' Park he was made Captain and led his side to victory in the 1955 FA Cup final. In total he made over 600 League games before turning his hand to management. Was in charge at Cardiff City and Newport County before scouting for a number of clubs. Died in March 1998 at the age of 73.

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Scouler, Jimmy My father Charlie Atkinson was the captain of Bradford Park Avenue during Jimmy Scoular’s player managerial reign there in the early 1960’s. He was the club’s appearances record holder and played alongside him in the wing half role. He told me that he was a very fair but demanding manager.

Scoular insisted that all players called him boss during any conversations. When a new signing (a former Wales lnternational) signed by Avenue without his blessing stated "Ah Jimmy, you’ve kicked me a time or two in the past”. The rest of the players waited nervously for the explosion to come.

"The name is boss to you." "I’ve never kicked you in my life coz if I’d of kicked you, you would have landed over row Z and the search party would still be looking for yer you little Welsh Fu..er."

My father had a lot of respect for Scoular,so much so that he turned down the Avenue boards offer to manage the club for the last month of the season after his departure out of respect for him.
18-02-23 Paul Atkinson

Scouler, Jimmy I remember Jimmy as a very hard-tackling Half-back, but in one match at Fratton Park he did a most amazing thing. During a Pompey attack he was stuck by the right corner flag surrounded by three opponents. Jimmy got the ball between his feet and did a cartwheel, projecting the ball over the heads of the opponents in to the opposition goalmouth. I think a Pompey forward then headed the ball into the goal, though I cannot be certain of this (I was a schoolboy and am now in my 71st year!)


Scouler, Jimmy I remember Jimmy playing right half for Newcastle, a high ball was coming to him and instead of heading as would be normal, he did a handstand and kicked the ball with his heals back up the field. Another time he was knocked to the floor face down, after a few seconds he looked up and then returned face down. A true entertainer.